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The playwright and performer Derek Chan discusses the world premiere of the rice & beans theatre co-production of Happy Valley at the Firehall Arts Centre (25 May-04 June 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Derek Chan joins me again. He is the playwright and performer of Happy Valley, a solo, interdisciplinary performance that opens this week, Thursday, 25 May 2023 at the Firehall Arts Centre, running to June 4th. The performance piece dissects the historic, political, and cultural context surrounding Hong Kong’s current democratic struggles. This is a follow-up to Derek’s theatrical installation yellow objects, which was also staged at the Firehall Arts Centre, and which Derek first appeared on the program with in 2021. We continue the conversation as it were, as he tells us about Happy Valley, and look at contemporary political situation with China and Hong Kong, and China with Canada as well. The show’s director is Anjela Magpantay, and Heidi Taylor, the dramturg. Visit www.firehallartscentre.ca for tickets and information, and www.riceandbeanstheatre.com. We spoke about a week and a half ago. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Derek Chan; Mr. Chan, good morning.

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The infectious diseases doctor, academic, and broadcaster Dr Chris van Tulleken discusses his bestselling book Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food (Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Ultra-Processed People

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Already a #1 international bestseller, the new book by Dr. Chris van Tulleken, Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food, is an engaging book that might turn you off the ultra-processed food that make up more than half of a typical diet in Canada and the United States. In the book, Dr. van Tulleken who joins me now, looks at his own habits, as he embarks on a scientific, medical, culinary, and cultural journey into the systems that supply our food, how it’s processed, and how we consume it. For one month, he purposefully consumes a diet that is 80% UPF, and as part of the experiment, his health is monitored. I’ll ask him about how he felt during this time, and if he noticed any differences physically, and emotionally. I’ll ask him what he felt like after the month, and what he’s come away with in terms of his habits at home and at work when it comes to what he eats. We’ll also discuss the addictive nature of ultra processed food, and what we might do, and what we might ask policymakers to do as to how food is advertised and marketed to us. Chris van Tulleken has a medical degree from Oxford, and a PhD in molecular virology. He is an associate professor at University College London, and a practicing infectious diseases doctor. He is also a broadcaster for children and adults on BBC television and radio, and has won two BAFTAs. His Instagram and Twitter handles are @DoctorChrisVT. This new book is published by Alfred A. Knopf Canada. He joined me from his home in London, England earlier this week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Chris van Tulleken; Dr. van Tulleken, good morning.

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The director Mark Carter discusses the new CTORA Theatre production on now at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre (950 West 41st Ave.) until 28 May 2023, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Opening tonight at the Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre at the Jewish Community Centre, 950 West 41st Avenue, is a new production The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. The show’s director Mark Carter joins me now to preview the show, which is based on the bestselling novel by Rick Riordan. The show follows the story of Percy Jackson, a half-blood son of a Greek god, who discovers he has extraordinary powers he cannot control. I’ll ask Mark to tell us as much as he’d like about what to expect. The show’s music and lyrics are written by Rob Rokicki, and I’ll ask Mark about what they sound like. It’s a big show, with nine cast members. It’s a production of CTORA Theatre, formerly known as Children’s Theatre of Richmond. Visit www.ctora.ca for tickets and information. The show runs until 28 May 2023. We spoke one week ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Mark Carter; Mr. Carter, good morning.

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The historian Ron Verzuh discusses his new book Printer’s Devils: How a Feisty Pioneer Newspaper Shaped the History of British Columbia’s Smelter City, 1895-1925 (Caitlin Press, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Printer’s Devils

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

A new book takes us to Trail, British Columbia, at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The book not only looks at a pioneering newspaper but the social history of Trail as it grows into a small but prosperous community. The book is called Printer’s Devils: How a Feisty Pioneer Newspaper Shaped the History of British Columbia’s Smelter City, 1895-1925. It’s a thoroughly engaging book full of fascinating history as seen through the pages of what was called the Trail Creek News, a weekly publication, that continues today as the Trail Daily Times. The book’s author Ron Verzuh, who joins me now, has done a splendid job at gathering the interesting events as we see this town in the southeastern part of the province grow thanks to industry. We read the book seeing how these pioneers experience the reality of life, death, a World War, a flu pandemic, smallpox outbreaks, as well the conflict between business and labour, friction between the white majority and the Chinese, East Indian, and Doukhobors. The people, and they were mainly men, who owned the paper, and edited it, cast a giant shadow over its contents, and its history. Ron Verzuh is a writer, historian, and documentary filmmaker. His most recent book, Smelter Wars: A Rebellious Red Trade Union Fights for Its Life in Wartime Western Canada was published in 2022. His other books include Radical Rag, and Underground Times. His work has appeared in academic journals, newspapers, and magazines, including the Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, BC History, and Canada’s History. This new book is published by Caitlin Press. Ron will be in Rossland and Grand Forks next week. Visit www.caitlinpress.com for information on those events. He joined me from his home in Victoria, British Columbia earlier this week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Ron Verzuh; Mr. Verzuh, good morning.

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Madison Embrey, who plays Dr. Kate Walker in Jurassic World Live Tour, which comes to the Pacific Coliseum (19-28 May 2023), previews the show with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Dinosaurs will roam the Pacific Coliseum starting this Friday, 19 May 2023 with the arrival of Jurassic World Live Tour. It’s a live arena experience that will feature dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including Velociraptor Blue, and a Tyrannosaurus rex more than forty feet in length. The production features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs operated by animatronics and performers. The memorable score, as well as projection and scenery transform the arena into a dense jungle. Joining me now to preview the spectacle is Madison Embrey. She plays Dr. Kate Walker. I’ll ask her about the role, and the story that will play out in twelve performances over the next two weekends. Madison Embrey is a dancer, stunt performer, public speaker, educator, and choreographer. Visit www.madisonembrey.com for more information. And visit www.jurassicworldlivetour.com for tickets and information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Madison Embrey; Ms. Embrey, good morning.

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The distinguished academic and writer J. Edward Chamberlin discusses his new book Storylines: How Words Shape Our World (Douglas & McIntyre, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Storylines

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

One of the more engaging and fascinating books of the season is the latest from the distinguished academic and writer J. Edward Chamberlin, Storylines: How Words Shape Our World. It’s a reflective book on Mr. Chamberlin’s many years as a professor of literature, as well as student of storytelling. His gifts as a storyteller are in full view with his many experiences with varied storytellers that inform or establish the way we see ourselves and each other. I’ll get Ted, who joins me now to tell us about this book, about writing it, and the kinds of storytelling that we’re all drawn to, as well as challenged by. It’s the interesting way that storytelling has this contradiction at its heart, the conflict between what we believe and what is truth, that continues to draw us to stories, and what essentially keeps us alive. J. Edward Chamberlin is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. He’s worked on sovereignty and land claims in Canada and around the world. He’s the author of several acclaimed titles including Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilization, and If This is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories? He first appeared on the program in 2016 when his book The Banker and the Blackfoot was published. This new book is published by Douglas & McIntyre. He joined me from his home in Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia last week. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Ted Chamberlin; Mr. Chamberlin, good morning.

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The artist Niina Chebry previews the seventh annual ParkerArtSalon, which includes an exhibition at the Pendulum Gallery (885 West Georgia, 15 May-16 June 2023), and the Parker Studio Tours and Hall Exhibition (10 June 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

The artist Niina Chebry joins me again. The seventh annual ParkerArtSalon kicks off on Monday, 15 May 2023 with a month-long exhibit at the Pendulum Gallery in Downtown Vancouver. That’s at 885 West Georgia Street, and it will feature over fifty emerging and established artists, showcasing a diverse range of creative output. The exhibition is entitled What Moves You, and I’ll ask Niina about how they came to the theme. And beginning on June 8th, the pieces in the exhibition will go up on the Waddington’s website for online bidding available to buyers nationwide. Fifty percent of the auction’s proceeds will go to the Beedie Luminaries Foundation’s program. Also, Saturday, 10 June 2023, the Parker Studio Tours and Hall Exhibition will be on at the 1000 Parker Street, from noon to 5pm. It’ll be a good chance to see the diverse group of people who make art at the Parker Studio, and buy their art. You can book your visit at their website: www.parkerartsalon.com. Whether it’s painters like Niina Chebry, or David Wilson, or other artists like Suzy Baker, Brent Granby, Merle Somerville, and many others, there’s something for most everybody’s taste. The website for more on Niina Chebry is at www.niinachebry.com. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Niina Chebry; Ms. Chebry, good morning.

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The bestselling, award-winning writer Natalie MacLean discusses her new memoir Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much (Dundurn Press, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Wine Witch on Fire

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Natalie MacLean joins me again. The award-winning, bestselling wine writer has just published a new memoir Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much. It’s an engaging book that recounts what was happening in her life about ten years ago. When she first appeared on this program in 2011, she had just published her second book, Unquenchable, and like her first book, Red, White and Drunk All Over, it was critically acclaimed and sold well. She also appeared regularly in newspapers across Canada and the United States, as well as on television. But soon after, her marriage was ending, and she was the victim of an online mobbing by other critics, critical of her work. She recounts the experiences of a decade ago in detail, as well as honestly, with the frankness and humour that has made Ms. MacLean the popular personality in the media. The book chronicles how she made it out of the abyss, and how she’s bounced back personally and professionally. She went back on the dating scene after twenty years off the market, and has found love. And her work has yielded many plaudits including World’s Best Drinks Journalist at the World Food Awards, four James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards, and the M.F.K. Fisher awards from both the James Beard Foundation and Les Dames d’Escoffier International. She also discusses how her own consumption of alcohol has come into focus in recent years. It’s thoughtful introspection she’s done on herself, but also how wine and spirits are marketed to women. Visit www.WineWitchonFire.com to buy the book, where if you get it there, you’ll get some bonuses, including a free companion reader guide that’ll have tips for book club discussion, or how to organise an informal wine tasting with friends. This new book is published by Dundurn Press. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Natalie MacLean; Ms. MacLean, good morning.

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The award-winning writer Sam Wiebe discusses his new novel, the fourth in the Wakeland series of noir set in Vancouver, Sunset and Jericho (Harbour Publishing, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Sunset and Jericho

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Sam Wiebe joins me again. He’s just published the fourth book in his Wakeland detective series. Sunset and Jericho is the title of the novel, and it’s a gripping story with Vancouver as the backdrop, and private detective Dave Wakeland as our central character navigating Vancouver’s seedy underworld. Wakeland is in the midst of class warfare in the ever-unaffordable Vancouver, as the mayor’s brother goes missing, and a transit cop is beaten and her service weapon is stolen. I’ll get Sam to tell us as much as he’d like about the book, the compelling character of Dave Wakeland, and the Vancouver he talks about in fiction not just in this book, but the previous ones, Invisible Dead, Cut You Down, and Hell and Gone. His other books include Never Going Back, Last of the Independents, and the anthology Vancouver Noir, which he edited. He’s received the Crime Writers of Canada award, and the Kobo Emerging Writers Prize, and his books have appeared on the shortlists for the Edgar, Hammett, Shamus, and City of Vancouver prizes. This new book is from Harbour Publishing. Visit www.samwiebe.com for more. He joined me from his home in New Westminster, BC last week. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Sam Wiebe; Mr. Wiebe, good morning.

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The filmmaker and activist Amy Miller discusses her new film, screening at DOXA, the Documentary Film Festival, Manufacturing the Threat, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Manufacturing the Threat is the feature-length documentary that looks at the role of agent provocateurs and entrapment in the history of Canada’s national security apparatus, especially in the case of the couple, Omar Nuttall and Ana Korody. They were arrested on Canada Day 2013, caught planting bombs at the Parliament buildings in Victoria, British Columbia. Their arrest was celebrated as a triumph for Canada’s national security agencies, just as there was a reported increase in the threat of Islamic terrorism, which precipitated the Harper government passing Bill C-51, the Anti-Terrorism Act. However, the case against the Nuttalls collapses. Despite an elaborate operation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, which involved over 240 security service operatives, culminated in coercing the Nuttalls into planting fake bombs. The charges were thrown out, and their imprisonment was referred to as a “travesty of justice” by the judge in the case. Both Nuttall and Korody appear in the film, and speak at length about their three years in prison, and the individuals who exploited them. As well, there are interviews with academics, and Indigenous and environmental activists, who speak to police infiltration and incitement. The film has its world premiere at DOXA, the Documentary Film Festival this Friday, 06 May 2023 at the Vancity Theatre at 7.45pm. Visit www.doxafestival.ca for tickets and information. Joining me now is Amy Miller, the award-winning media maker and social justice organiser, who is the director of Manufacturing the Threat. Her films have been screened in over 100 festivals around the world, and broadcast in over a dozen countries. She joined me from Montreal, when we taped this interview a couple of weeks ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Amy Miller; Ms. Miller, good morning.

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