Urban Ink’s Sixth TRANSFORM Festival presented in collaboration with The Cultch, returns November 6-8 and 14-15 at Vancouver Playhouse.
Curated by Urban Ink Artistic Director Corey Payette, the biggest and boldest TRANSFORM Festival yet, features an all-star lineup of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists across multiple disciplines, breaking boundaries through collaboration and experimentation.
“TRANSFORM Festival’s 6th edition carries the theme ‘Braiding Worlds.’ For me, that image perfectly captures what our festival is all about – the weaving together and interlocking of Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices, of tradition and innovation, of joy and resilience,” says TRANSFORM Festival Curator and Co-Founder Payette. “Each section of the festival carries its own strength, but when they come together, something entirely unique is created. This is an invitation to witness how these bold and striking collaborations can transform us, and how braiding our worlds together can open up space for new ways of imagining the future. I hope you’ll join us.”
The TRANSFORM Festival line-up includes:
Opening BASH! November 6 @ 7:30pm
Hosted by season 5 Canada’s Drag Race star Jaylene Tyme; featuring an electrifying fusion of dance, circus, comedy, drag, and mind-blowing performers, with rising opera star Emma Pennell, choreographer Maddi Bulloch, and local award-winning juggler Yuki.
Wolf Cull November 7 @ 7:30pm
A workshop production of an Indigenous thriller by playwright Cheyenne Scott. Set in the near future in an invented Indigenous territory, five young women are drawn by a shared dream to the hunting grounds, where they uncover mysterious tracks that challenge their skills and the group’s fragile unity. Featuring performers Kat Maclean, Teniel Whiskeyjack, Danica Charlie, Marion Jacobs, and Winona Myles, the work explores internalized trauma, the knowledge and power of Indigenous women, and the transformative process of healing.
Where The Rivers Meet November 8 @ 7:30pm
The world premiere of a powerful musical event celebrating the deep connections between Indigenous cultures and water. Hosted by reality TV star and public speaker Suzette Amaya, this one-of-a-kind concert unites Indigenous composers with non-Indigenous musicians. Cellist and composer Cris Derksen, composer Russell Wallace, composer Sherryl Sewepagaham, and operatic soprano Emma Pennell will collaborate to weave ancient traditions with modern harmonies, creating a unique celebration of resilience, identity, and unity.
The Starwalker Experience November 14, @ 7:30pm
The festival’s second weekend begins with the world premiere of The Starwalker Experience, produced by Raven Theatre, a celebratory evening featuring the music of Starwalker, an award-winning musical written and composed by Payette. The vibrant, multimedia experience will bring together a live band, featuring vocalists Conor Parnall, Jesse Alvarez, Jason Sakaki, and Vinnie Alberto with film clips and performances by local drag stars.
Closing BASH! November 15 @ 7:30pm
The Festival’s wrap party, again hosted by Jaylene Tyme. The closing celebrations promise to be an unforgettable night with exuberant and eccentric performances, including appearances by celebrated singer Rebecca Strong, who is the first Indigenous woman to win Canada’s Got Talent in 2024, capturing audiences with her strong, emotional performances of popular pop favourites, and Vancouver-based Indigenous singer/songwriter, dancer, and visual artist, Raven Grenier, who will share a live performance of her alt pop single, Wolverine.
TRANSFORM Festival presented by Urban Ink in collaboration with The Cultch, runs November 6-8 and 14-15, 2025 at Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street. For tickets and information, please visit: transformfestival.ca