FIVE SHOWS TO SEE AT THE 2022 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

With its mix of both online and in-person performances, the 2022 festival presents music, theatre, dance and much more for children and big kids of all ages. Here are five shows we recommend. Consult the festival program for times, dates, ticket sales and venue/online options.

1. Crisis on Planet Z (Ages 4-12)

Monster Theatre brings climate science to the stage in this “hilarious play about a serious topic.” As the Alphabetarians celebrate 100 years on Planet Z, Zephyr realizes that improvements being made to the planet aren't fixing it, but are destroying it. And there is no next planet to run to.

2. Spirit and Tradition (Ages K and up)

The Dancers of Damelahamid presents a 50-minute show including projected images, coastal masked dance and music to focus in on Indigenous knowledge, sustainability and more on the northwest coast.

3. A Story of a House That Turned into a Dot (Grade 2 and up)

No, it's not a tour of the latest attempt at affordable housing in the Lower Mainland. Instead, this multimedia presentation by Denmark's Teatret Gruppe 328 meditates on fairness, family and resolving issues.

4. Parents Are Still a Drag (All ages)

Zee Zee Theatre's hit dress-up event with local drag queens Peach Cobblah and Isolde N. Barron lets everyone enjoy some silly, diverse play time in a performance commissioned by the children's festival.

5. Ginalina — Relaxed Performance (Ages 3-9)

Join Juno-nominated singer/songwriter Ginalina in an English/french/ Mandarin singalong with guests including Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble members. The relaxed performance is more casual, and audience noise and movement is OK.