The scene at last year’s HIVE. The annual event, which launches its third edition this week, offers interactive theatre from a dozen local production companies, plus music from Canadian indie bands.

Credit: supplied

ARTS: Theatre and music lovers all abuzz about HIVE3

Fans of independent theatre and music have had an additional reason to look forward to spring ever since HIVE made its debut in 2008. Now in its third year (hence this edition’s name, HIVE3), the annual event promises eight crazy nights of interactive theatre installations from 12 local independent companies, including Leaky Heaven Circus, Electric Company Theatre, Radix, and Rumble Productions. Each will continuously perform a 15-minutes-or-less, small-audience show throughout each evening of the event. Between the onstage action, audience members can either line up for the next presentation, wander the performance space, grab a drink from the bar, or take in one of 10 Canadian indie-rock bands who’ve signed on to play during the festival. Live music runs from 10:30 p.m. onward, and includes appearances by dance-punk outfit Hot Panda (March 12), new wave/noise band Women (March 13), and alt-country group the Sadies (March 20), among others.

WE spoke with HIVE3 co-producer Amiel Gladstone about what to expect from this year’s spectacle.

What are the creative challenges in writing and performing shorts?
The challenges are always unexpected: In what ways do the different spaces inspire us? How do we pack an exciting theatrical experience into only 10 minutes? We have to be able to perform almost continuously for three hours, over and over again, over eight nights. Is that going to make us insane?

How will HIVE continue to grow and evolve?
It’s always hard to say if we can continue producing an event of this scale. The HIVEs require significant contributions and partnerships. In the past, this has included being part of the Magnetic North Theatre Festival, and now the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Up until now, the B.C. government has been an incredible supporter of this event. With what the [provincial government] is saying now in terms of [arts and culture] funding, who knows?

What experience do you hope the audience takes away from HIVE?
That theatre can be a fun, joyous, and communal experience; that some of the best theatre artists in the world are working here; that coming out and experiencing culture together is an integral part of post-Olympic life in our city. We’re also encouraged and inspired by the Paralympic Winter Games — this year’s HIVE will be wheelchair accessible.

HIVE3 runs March 11-14 and 17-20 at the Centre for Digital Media (577 Great Northern Way), 7 pm. Tickets $20-$25 from 604-629-8849. Cover for bands only (after 10:30 p.m.), $5. Info: BuzzBuzzBuzz.ca