EQ Magazine 2010 - 2007

How is new technology changing our stages? Can "old" technology be just as effective in transforming an empty stage into an extraordinary live experience? Find out how Equity members are using innovation to push the boundaries of live performance and why nothing can ever replace live theatre, dance and opera - no matter how "life-like" 3D film tries to be, or how easy it may be to watch entertainment online. 

EQ examines the last 500 years of Canadian theatre history. Canadian performance has evolved to tackle the issues of the day and put Canadian productions on the map. We've come a long way from when foreign touring companies dominated our stages, but we still have a way to go yet to ensure that the voices of Aboriginal and other diverse communities are heard on our stages. 

This issue of EQ explores the emotions that musical theatre evokes - while some performers and audiences absolutely love the genre, others think musicals are just too over the top. You'll also learn about the performers who ensure big musicals go on night after night even though they don't always get onto the stage, and hear about the troubling arts funding situation facing Equity members in British Columbia.

Can we speak freely in Canada? While performers in other parts of the world can face imprisonment, torture and even death when their art is deemed controversial - we still need to be vigilant here in Canada to make sure our work isn't censored. Learn about some Canadian theatre productions that have faced pressure to change and about some brave international artists who have not given in to oppression. 

Equity Exposed! - EQ goes behind the scenes at Equity. Dear Readers, You will notice that this issue of EQ is a departure in both content and design from previous issues. Designed as an opportunity for Council to give you an end - of - term review, it also provides Equity with the chance to gently poke fun at ourselves and show you some of the inner workings of your Association. We hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to our Government Issue - where we ask if it is time to review Canada's cultural policy. The last arts and culture review was done in 1983, so we asked several seasoned arts policy specialists if the time is right for a review, and if so - what should it include. For good measure we also asked journalist, former Governor General and tireless arts supporter Adrienne Clarkson what her ideal cultural policy would look like. Also in this issue - find out how Australian performers helped change the government, and get the inside scoop on arts lobbying.

How cool is opera in Canada? Find out in the Winter issue of EQ - where we travel across the country to explore how opera is evolving and thriving. We also meet Alexander Neef - the new General Director of the Canadian Opera Company, and hear from opera star John Mac Master on how Equity members can keep arts at the top of the political agenda between elections.

The latest issue of EQ examines the challenge and satisfaction of producing theatre for young audiences. Artistic Directors and members from across Canada discuss issues relating to funding, artistic creativity and meaningful content. The issue also focuses a spotlight on outdoor Shakespeare productions in the summer, and we fondly remember former Equity Chair Vernon Chapman and George Brown Theatre School founder Timon Shaw.

The Fall issue of EQ examines the challenge of "being green" in the world of live performance. We speak to theatre companies across Canada at work to make theatre more environmentally friendly. This edition also introduces Barb Farwell as Equity Quarterly's new editor, and marks the debut of four additional pages of editorial content providing an enhanced idea forum.

The Winter EQ issue focuses on issues relating to financial health including building a solid economic plan, retirement strategies and RRSP management. The Voices column features excerpts from Kerry Davidson's speech honouring Equity Life Member Gordon Tootoosis. Allan Teichman fills the membership in on the job of Equity's President and Cheryl Jack fondly remembers Life Member Tibor Feheregyhazi.

The Spring issue examines issues relating to Aboriginal theatre in Canada. Guest Editor Yvette Nolan, Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts, and Michelle St. John co-founder of Turtle Gals Performance Ensemble, share the challenges and realities of producing and performing in Native theatre. The issue also show-cases Native performing arts organizations across the country reaching out to Aboriginal youth. The health and wellness column profiles Vancouver's Performing Arts Lodge, and Equity remembers members who passed in 2007.

The Summer issue of EQ focuses on the crowding out of performing arts spaces by increasing urban density in Canadas major cities. EQ Voices say goodbye and thank you to departing Executive Director Susan Wallace, and Karen Kain remembers Celia Franca for her contribution to dance in Canada.

The Fall EQ issue focuses on the exquisitely beautiful and physically brutal world of dance. The feature article follows the career paths of four dancers, from training, auditioning, touring and performing; through the inevitable transition from professional dance. The Spotlight feature celebrates the one year anniversary of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and William Hutt and Ed Mirvish are fondly remembered for their contributions to arts and culture in Canada.

The inaugural issue of EQ focuses on Senior Business Representative Ken Burns' twinning exchange with Oruuano of Namibian Artists' Union. A new Spotlight feature celebrates the 'The Palace on the Prairies' - the Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts. Charmion King and Mavor Moore are fondly remembered for their contributions to arts and culture in Canada.