Among the many presentations this year are at least two with a Jewish angle.<\/p>\n
On Jan. 30, 9 pm., at Waterfront Theatre, The Goldberg Variations<\/i> by Clayton Lee (Canada\/United Kingdom) will have its Western Canadian premiere, with a talkback following the show.<\/p>\n
Through an unapologetic investigation of desire, power dynamics and identity, Lee explores his childhood obsession with Jewish professional wrestler Bill Goldberg and the impact it has had on his sexual and romantic history. The perplexing crossroads between dominance, submission, heartbreak and vulnerability are laid bare in this candid and unconventional performance where fantasies are both indulged and deconstructed.<\/p>\n On Feb. 4 and 5, 6:30 p.m., at Please Beverage Co., Jewish community member Rebecca Margolick is part of Dances for a Small Stage. Presented by PuSh Festival and Small Stage, the event showcases 10 experimental, short dance pieces by femme and non-binary artists from different generations and dance practices. The other artists participating are Claudia Moore, Cori Caulfield, Jessica Dawn Keeling, Nasiv Kaur Sall, AJ Simmons, Nicole Rose Bond, Burgundy, Ray Young, Adreane Leclerc and Bettina Szabo. There is a post-show talkback Feb. 5.<\/p>\n Other highlights for the 2025 PuSh include BOGOT\u00c1<\/i> (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) by Montreal\u2019s Andrea Pe\u00f1a & Artists, which constructs a brutalist landscape from choreography inspired by Colombia\u2019s political and spiritual heritage, and Dimanche<\/i> (Feb. 6-8) by Belgium\u2019s Focus and Chaliwat\u00e9 companies, which paints a sharp yet tender portrait of humanity caught off guard by devastating natural disasters.<\/p>\n PuSh 2025\u2019s animated parties and cabaret-style events include Van Vogue Jam\u2019s Dune Wars Kiki Ball<\/i> (Feb. 2), opening and closing parties with surprise performances, and the return of the frank theatre\u2019s QT Cabaret at Club PuSh (Jan. 29).<\/p>\n Rounding out the lineup will be two film events: a free marathon screening featuring Brazilian actress Renata Carvalho, the artist behind PuSh\u2019s Transpofagic Manifesto<\/i> (Feb. 9), and a Born in Flames<\/i> (Lizzie Borden) film screening (Feb. 6).<\/p>\n The festival\u2019s Industry Series for arts leaders (producers, presenters, curators, directors, and more) returns for 2025, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2. PuSh, in partnership with Playwrights Theatre Centre and Festival TransAm\u00e9riques, will also offer free artistic consultations for local artists with invited national and international dramaturgs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"photo](\"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dec-13-PA.13.PuSh-Rebecca-Margolick-headshot.jpg\")
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