PushOFF is becoming HOLD ON LET GO

Theatre Replacement and Company 605 are excited to announce that our annual PushOFF program has been renamed 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. It’s the juxtaposition of two ideas that for us, encapsulates this moment and our hopes and dreams for the future. 

Part I of this year’s program takes place between January 23-27, and is our most ambitious program yet, including incredible 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. HOLD ON LET GO is co-curated by Lisa Mariko Gelley, Josh Martin and Maiko Yamamoto. 

We’re also excited to be hosting some fun and engaging gatherings at The Russian Hall, including artist talks and social mixers. This year, our Emerging Artist series is curated by Amanda Sum, and we once again have an Emerging Artist All Access Pass available. We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, January 27 at noon for a Town Hall, where we’ll gather to collectively talk about what we’re doing our best to hold on to, and what we’re ready to let go of. 

And that’s not all. We are presenting a double bill of new works by Company 605 and Theatre Replacement in a special Part II of the program. In order to celebrate this exciting renaming, we’re sharing an in-development excerpt from 605’s new upcoming ensemble work, lossy (excerpts), and a presentation of TR’s latest work, Best Life, January 30 to February 2. Our full festival schedule can be found below.  Lastly, we just want to say a big thank you to all of you who have supported or participated in PushOFF/HOLD ON LET GO in the past. The incredible growth of the program would not be possible without you. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Russian Hall this January!

–Lisa, Josh and Maiko