Presented By Urban Ink In Collaboration With The Cultch: Transform Festival

Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists come together to create electrifying works of theatre, music, drag, circus, and comedy.

From November 6–15, the iconic Vancouver Playhouse will be electrified by five nights of jaw-dropping performances. Co-founded by Corey Payette and Heather Redfern in 2019, TRANSFORM Festival builds relationships and brings communities together to create cultural shifts and cutting-edge world-class performance. This year’s festival continues to break new ground by spotlighting Indigenous artists and fostering dynamic collaborations with non-Indigenous talents. Expect a spectacular fusion of theatre, music, drag, circus, comedy, and more, all designed to forge connections and spark social change.

Festival Schedule:

November 6 – Opening BASH!
Kick off TRANSFORM Festival with a bang at our epic Opening BASH! Prepare for an electrifying fusion of dance, circus, comedy, drag, and mind-blowing performances that will defy your expectations. The night promises to showcase the dazzling intersection of these incredible artists in a way you’ve never seen before.
Featuring: Jaylene Tyme, Maddi Bulloch, Emma Pennell, Yuki the Juggler

November 7 – Wolf Cull (Workshop Production)
A TRANSFORMATIVE INDIGENOUS THRILLER
In the near future, in an invented Indigenous territory, five young women – Rebel, Leader, Brawn Wildcard, and Skeptic – 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. How does the creature manifest within and how do we track, hunt, and transform it?

Raised in Kamloops, B.C., the playwright drew inspiration from hunting deer with her father in the nearby T’Kemlúps area. This development production of this gripping one-act thriller explores internalized trauma, the knowledge and power of Indigenous women, and the process of healing.

November 8 – Where The Rivers Meet
Where the Rivers Meet is a musical journey that celebrates the deep connections between Indigenous cultures and water. Featuring an extraordinary lineup, this concert unites Indigenous composers with non-Indigenous musicians and choirs.
This one-of-a-kind concert weaves ancient traditions with modern harmonies, creating a unique celebration of resilience, identity, and unity. Notable artists and composers, known for their groundbreaking work, join forces to push the boundaries of musical collaboration.
Featuring: Cris Derksen, Corey Payette, Suzette Amaya, Emma Pennell, Sherryl Sewepagaham, Russell Wallace

November 14 – The Starwalker Experience
Join us for an evening celebrating the music of Starwalker, an award-winning musical written and composed by Payette. The vibrant, multimedia experience will bring together a live band and local drag heroes, including vocalists Conor Parnall, Jesse Alvarez, Jason Sakaki, and Vinnie Alberto.

November 14 – 16 – Mush Hole [Historic Theatre]
A theatrical dance performance about Canada’s first Indian residential school: The Mohawk Institute, aka The Mush Hole. Co-presented alongside The Cultch.

November 15 – Closing BASH!
Ending the Festival in style, don’t miss our Closing BASH featuring some Festival favourites and a few surprises! Expect an unforgettable night with delightfully odd and eccentric performances.
Featuring: Jaylene Tyme, Raven Grenier, Rebecca Strong
More info