VERNON, BC— The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society proudly announces the lineup for the 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Theatre Series, featuring a diverse array of thoroughly engaging Canadian and International performances.

The upcoming 4-show SPOTLIGHT Theatre Series opens this Fall with Toronto’s Crow’s Theatre production of Cliff Cardinal’s As You Like It, OR The Land Acknowledgement. Next, from Edmonton, Catalyst Theatre’s The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare returns to the VDPAC after being “COVID-postponed” in April 2022. Third-up, from Brussels, Focus & Chaliwaté present the “dream-like” physical theatre production of Dimanche. The Theatre Series culminates with New Zealand’s award-winning YES YES YES next March.

“Live theatre offers a unique opportunity for genuine human connection and shared experiences that can be incredibly enriching,” shared VDPAC’s Artistic Director Erin Kennedy. “From thought-provoking dramas to thrilling adventures, each performance has the power to captivate and inspire audiences in a way that few other forms of entertainment can.“

Cultural provocateur Cliff Cardinal brings As You Like It, Or The Land Acknowledgement on Thursday, October 3, 2024. The performance is a devastating yet laugh-out-loud examination of land acknowledgements as a cultural and political practice. This acerbic, mischievous and fearless take on Shakespeare’s classic explores themes of mistaken identities, banishment and forgiveness is deeply informed by Cardinal’s Cree and Lakota heritage.

Following is the long-sought return of the COVID-postponed The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare, a Catalyst Theatre production, on Friday, October 11, 2024. Set in 1940’s France, this genre-busting mash-up of historical research, spy fiction, graphic novels and musical tour-de-force tells the story of seven exceptional female operatives who risk their lives in a dangerous war of sabotage, propaganda, and espionage during World War II. Composed, written and directed by Jonathan Christenson, and developed with support from the National Art Centre’s “National Creation Fund” it is a portrait of brave women betrayed by the world, inspired by the lives of Special Operations Executives.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Focus & Chaliwaté from Brussels, Belgium present Dimanche. Written and directed by Julie Tenret, Sicaire Durieux, and Sandrine Heyraud. This dream-like performance portrays humanity’s struggle to maintain normalcy amidst the uncontrollable forces of nature. Blending theatrical magic with physical theatre, puppetry, and video, Dimanche is a witty and tender exploration of resilience.

The Theatre Series concludes with Yes Yes Yes by New Zealand’s award-winning Eleanor Bishop & Karin McCracken on February 18, 2025. This show is a conversation starter for teenagers, parents, teachers, and anyone seeking to create positive change. Part confession, part documentary and open conversation, this show explores healthy relationships, desire, and consent. Featuring audience interaction and solo performance, it includes in-depth interviews with teens.

“Once again, the VDPAC ‘brings the world’ to Vernon,” says Executive Director, Jim Harding. “This is a tremendous series that promises a variety, but equally engaging and rewarding live theatre experiences this 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Season.”

Theatre Series subscriptions are now on sale! Series subscribers save over 25% off the Single ticket price and those who book before June 15 can take advantage of our exclusive pre-sale to secure “the best seats at the best price” before Single tickets go on sale. 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Theatre Series subscriptions are just $110 for all four performances!

To learn more & book your SPOTLIGHT Theatre Series subscription call 250-549-SHOW (7469) and visit www.vdpac.ca for details and video previews. Single tickets go on sale on June 15. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about the entire 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Season.

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Ticket link: vdpac.ca/spotlight-season/theatre

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About Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society is a non-profit, charitable organization devoted to fostering artists, their work, and live performance in all genres and for all ages. The Society operates the Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) on behalf of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and with the support of over 30 staff and 200 volunteers. Each year, we present our SPOTLIGHT Season of over 30 diverse performances, complemented by over 125 professional guest concerts, festivals, and special events. We select professional touring productions to entertain, enlighten, move and amuse our patrons. Altogether, they offer audiences of all ages a world of unforgettable live theatre experiences. Please visit: https://vdpac.ca/ & https://ticketseller.ca/

Facebook: @vdpac Instagram: @vernonperformingarts

For interviews and more information, media can contact:

Raj Jain,

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250-542-9355

[email protected]