Theatre SKAM will be taking audience off the beaten path with Bike Ride, an annual festival combining alternative theatre and cycling.
Taking place along the Galloping Goose Trail, audience members will ride their bikes between the 14 shows, each lasting around 10 minutes. The nine local companies performing this year will be accompanied by five groups from Vancouver, Kelowna, Ottawa, and Toronto.
Along with being “community-oriented,” producer Graham McDonald described alternative theatre as “theatre that never gets boring.” Many of the acts will also incorporate the venue into their performances. Local opera company Hateful Spring will use an underpass as an amphitheatre, while Ottawa Stilt Union will be hanging a cocoon from a tree, which a performer will emerge from with help from the audience.
Performances will range from comedic to controversial, and dance, opera and puppet shows will be performed alongside the main acts.
The sixth annual Bike Ride will take place on July 12, 13, 19 and 20, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and bike rentals will be available at the venue. Tickets are $20 and available at the gate or by phone at 250-590-6291.
reporter@vicnews.com