Manitoba Opera: The Barber of Seville as styled by Al Simmons

Beloved children’s entertainer Al Simmons performs all the characters in his translation of the popular comic opera. Manitoba Opera has provided some fun activities and crafts to complement the opera, as well as a contest for someone’s best “Figaro” impression. Featuring Simmons' comic stylings and many, many wigs, this condensed version of the opera runs at 45 minutes and streams for free from March 20 to 28 at mbopera.ca.

As Immense as the Sky by Meryl McMaster

This exhibition by Ottawa-based member of Red Pheasant First Nation Meryl McMaster explores the experience of passing time. Inspired by the sites of ancient stories in Saskatchewan and early settlement in Ontario and Newfoundland, this photography exhibition is about walking ancient paths and experiencing the diversity of panoramas. Make an appointment to view this exhibition Tuesday to Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. by emailing [email protected].

Virtual burlesque and pole-dance performances by Shane Sable and Lynx Chase

As part of the Digital Anti-Matter Manifesto by gijiit, hosted by aceartinc., two performers from Virago Nation, an Indigenous burlesque collective, will perform pre-recorded dances on Zoom on March 20 at 7 p.m. Performances by Gitxsan burlesque performer Shane Sable and Cree-Métis pole dancer Lynx Chase will be followed by a discussion around Indigenous sex, sexuality and gender. Email [email protected] to register for the event.

Futures Barren/Futures Abundant by April Dean

Printmaker and photographer April Dean combines still-life photography and printmaking in this exhibition at Martha St. Studio running until April 16. Futures Barren/Futures Abundant combines still-life photography, printmaking and self-help sloganeering. This exhibition is available by booking appointments scheduled in 30-minute slots. The exhibition is available to view on Thursdays and Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m. After March 27, only Saturday appointments will be available. Dean will give her artist talk for her exhibition at Martha St. Studio on March 20 at 2 p.m. over Zoom. For more information, visit printmakers.mb.ca.

I’m Not Your Kinda Princess by Lori Blondeau at Plug In

Nasrin Himada curates this survey of work by celebrated artist Lori Blondeau, along with a new commission installation Stones From My Kokum’s House. Blondeau is Cree/Sauteux/Métis from Saskatchewan. She works in performance, photography and installation, as well as curation. She is the co-founder and executive director of TRIBE, an Indigenous art collective. She was a recipient of the 2021 Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts. I’m Not Your Kinda Princess is open to the public by appointment until June 19. Appointments are available from Wednesday to Saturday between 1 to 5 p.m. To reserve a time, contact [email protected] or call 204-942-1043.

“The Way It Would Be” new single by Field Guide

Recorded almost entirely in a shed in St. Boniface next to the Seine River, this new single by singer-songwriter Field Guide (Dylan MacDonald) features some of his long-time friends and musical collaborators. “The Way it Would be” explores the feeling of having a connection with someone but not being able to express it. Just prior to the pandemic, Field Guide moved to Toronto for a few short months before moving back in June 2020. During his time locked up in his Toronto apartment, he wrote several songs to be released as singles in 2021. This single follows on the heels of “You Were,” released in 2020,  which has over 3.5 million streams on Spotify. Find Field Guide on all streaming platforms and at fieldguidemusic.com.

Published in Volume 75, Number 22 of The Uniter (March 18, 2021)