Theatre Replacement and Company 605 are preparing to launch their annual, and renamed, festival program – HOLD ON LET GO.
“The name comes from the saying ‘hold on tightly, let go lightly,’ and signifies our desire to embrace change, continue evolving and learning, and to hold on to the things that matter, while letting go where we can,” says Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Director Maiko Yamamoto. “It’s the juxtaposition of two ideas that for us, encapsulates this moment and our hopes and dreams for the future.”
Co-curated by Lisa Mariko Gelley, Josh Martin, and Maiko Yamamoto HOLD ON LET GO is presented in two parts from January 23 to 27 and January 30 to February 2, at The Russian Hall. The annual, independent festival showcasing contemporary works by Vancouver and Canadian artists is produced by Theatre Replacement in partnership with Company 605. Now in its 14th season, HOLD ON LET GO (previously known as PushOFF) has solidified its place as a vital space for artists and audiences to come together in the sharing of new, experimental works that look to challenge what performance is and can be.
Part I: January 23-27, is the most ambitious yet, including new works by some of Vancouver and Canada’s most inventive experimental artists. Mainstage performances include Hong Kong Exile’s latest work, Heaven FM; whereverever by duo Mardon + Mitsuhashi, Through My Lens by artist and access advocate, Amy Amantea, Them Voices by choreographer and dancer Lara Kramer (Montreal), and SmartSmart by creator and crafter, Adrienne Wong (Victoria). In development projects include The Chains by Public Recordings (Toronto) and Secret Ingredients by Keely O’Brien.
Part II: January 30 to February 2, will feature a double bill of new works by Company 605 and Theatre Replacement. Adds Yamamoto, “In order to celebrate the exciting evolution, we’re sharing an in development excerpt from 605’s new upcoming ensemble work, lossy, and a presentation of Theatre Replacement’s latest work, Best Life.”
In addition to these performances, HOLD ON LET GO will host artist talks and mixers at The Russian Hall. Curated by Amanda Sum, this year’s Emerging Artist series features events geared for the next generation of artists. The festival’s Town Hall invites industry colleagues, media, and patrons of the arts to gather on Saturday, January 27 at 12:00pm for a collective talk about what we’re doing our best to hold on to, and what we’re ready to let go of.
HOLD ON LET GO Festival details and tickets, ranging in price from $25 to $45, are available online at holdonletgo.ca