TRANSFORM Festival 2025 – Vancouver Playhouse

Location: Vancouver Playhouse & Historic Theatre, Vancouver, BC
Dates: November 6–8 & 14–15, 2025
Presented By: TRANSFORM Festival
Website: transformfestival.ca

Event Overview

The TRANSFORM Festival returns for its sixth year, presenting bold, genre-blending performances that centre and celebrate Indigenous artists, while fostering powerful collaborations with non-Indigenous performers. This year’s program features five nights of theatre, music, drag, circus, comedy, and interdisciplinary performance, all taking place at the iconic Vancouver Playhouse and select partner venues.

The festival acts as a platform for IBPOC artists to define their own forms of storytelling, expression, and cultural presence on stage—offering audiences an unforgettable experience rooted in creativity, empowerment, and transformation.

2025 Festival Schedule

Thursday, November 6 – Opening BASH!

A high-energy kickoff event featuring drag, dance, circus, comedy, and live performance. The Opening BASH! sets the tone with bold, expressive artistry and full-stage celebration.

Featured Performers: Jaylene Tyme, Maddi Bulloch, Emma Pennell, Yuki the Juggler
Community Partner: V’ni Dansi

Tickets available through the festival website.

Friday, November 7 – Wolf Cull (Workshop Production)

A near-future Indigenous thriller following five young women drawn together by a shared dream to unfamiliar hunting grounds. As mysterious tracks appear, the group must confront unity, trauma, power, and transformation.

Cast: Danica Charlie, Kat Maclean, Teneil Whiskeyjack, Marion Jacobs, Winona Myles
Community Partner: Western Canada Theatre

Tickets available through the festival website.

Saturday, November 8 – Where the Rivers Meet

A musical concert honouring the relationship between Indigenous cultures and water, blending traditional composition with contemporary collaboration.

Featured Artists: Cris Derksen, Suzette Amaya, Emma Pennell, Sherryl Sewepagaham, Russell Wallace
Community Partner: Pacific Theatre

Tickets available through the festival website.

Friday, November 14 – The Starwalker Experience

A multimedia celebration of the award-winning musical Starwalker, featuring a live band and some of Vancouver’s most iconic drag artists and vocalists.

Featured Talent: Beth, Synthia Kiss, HAZEL, Ilona Verley, Conor Parnall, Jesse Alvarez, Jason Sakaki, Vinnie Alberto
Community Partner: Raven Theatre

Tickets available through the festival website.

Saturday, November 15 – Closing BASH!

A closing night of dynamic, expressive, and celebratory performances.

Featured Artists: Rebecca Strong (Winner, Canada’s Got Talent 2024), Raven Grenier, Michelangela, Yuki The Juggler, Debbie Courchene
Sponsor: Iredale Architecture
Community Partner: Raven Spirit Dance

Tickets available through the festival website.

Additional Feature Event

November 14–15 – Mush Hole (Historic Theatre)

A powerful dance-theatre performance based on Survivor testimonies from the Mohawk Institute Residential School. Mush Hole is a story of truth, resistance, remembrance, and resilience.

Tickets available through the festival website.

Why Attend

• A festival experience rooted in Indigenous creativity, sovereignty, and collaboration

• Five nights of theatre, music, drag, dance, and interdisciplinary performance

• A platform for IBPOC artists to self-determine their voice, craft, and storytelling

• A rare opportunity to experience evolving artistic forms in a shared space of care and community

Tickets

Tickets for individual performances and nights are available online.
Visit the festival website to browse the full schedule and book tickets.

Discover More Cultural Festivals & Events

Explore more arts, music, and theatre experiences across Metro Vancouver at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.