There is no bigger red carpet gala event than the Academy Awards. Viewed in more than 100 countries around the world, this is a world event and a celebration of the performing arts. Actors, musicians, directors, technicians and costumers were mingled and mashed together on the red carpet for the 87th awards on Sunday. It was a show - and an opportunity for everyone to say a word of thanks and for some to highlight a good cause.
I don't get to see a lot of movies, so I loved the bits that were presented during the fivehour marathon. This year, more than ever, there were many stories to tell. I reflect that I would not be sitting at a computer to write this column except for the work of Alan Turing (The Imitation Game). Of course, we know about Stephen Hawking's brilliant life, but mostly for his contributions to science. The Theory of Everything gave us a glimpse of the personal side and the battle with ALS. American Sniper and Selma both gave us insight and understanding to important issues.
Freedom of expression was celebrated.
Brave words were spoken by brave people willing to make a statement. And thank-yous were abundant. We don't always (or ever, for that matter) know who the thankees are, but it seems that parents, spouses, children and co-workers, along with one dog (Larry), were thanked. Publicly acknowledged thanks are a beautiful thing.
Well, I can't stage a red-carpet event on the grand scale of the Oscars, but can take the opportunity to let Wendy Bollard, artistic director of Peninsula Productions, to express some words of thanks. Wendy, here is your red-carpet moment.
"Peninsula Productions is a not-for-profit society. Most of what we do is supported by amazing volunteers and generous sponsors. Since 2010, Peninsula Productions has produced 18 concerts, six children's shows and eight plays. We have gotten this far with the help of our sponsors, volunteers and by calling in a lot of favours. If we are to continue to produce excellent theatre and fantastic musical performances in the Semiahmoo Peninsula, we need more financial support. On Monday, Feb. 16, we appeared before White Rock Council as a delegation. Mayor Baldwin thanked us for our contributions to White Rock's performing arts scene and spoke favourably about us receiving support. I would like to thank everyone who came to council that evening and to all the folks who have helped in one way or another to get us where we are today. Onwards and upwards!" Next production for Peninsula Productions is Steel Magnolias which, yes, was made into a movie. Set in a beauty parlor in Chinquapin, Louisiana, Steel Magnolias illustrates how the lives of six distinctly different women interweave via the small-town gossip that shadows the unending cycle of birth, marriage and death. There is a message, and a celebration of life. Get your glam on and take in this beautifully written play, staged from March 4 to 14 at White Rock's Coast Capital Playhouse. Call 604-536-7535 for details.
Elsewhere, Semiahmoo Arts is launching an art-rental service in White Rock South Surrey. You can beautify your home and office surroundings at very affordable rates, and support White Rock's vibrant arts community at the same time, by renting works of art by area artists through this new service. The first showing takes place on Feb. 28 and March 1 (this Saturday and Sunday) at Semiahmoo Arts' building in Centennial Park, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
The new service offers paintings, sculpture and other artworks for monthly rental (with a purchase credit), a rent-to-own plan, or outright purchase. You'll get to "test drive" the art that best suits your decor and artistic taste without making the commitment that purchase entails. For more information, contact Greg Smith at 2gregsmith@gmail.com or at 604-862-3300.
Everyone has a story to tell, and thank you to the artists who share their story with us through art. You all deserve an Oscar moment. melminty@telus.net