Presented by Urban Ink in collaboration with The Cultch
TRANSFORM FESTIVAL
NOV 06–15, 2025
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
25/26 CULTCH PRESENTATION
Produced by Urban Ink (Vancouver)
Curated by Corey Payette
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton St,
Vancouver, BC
Phone:604-251-1363
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Saturday: 12–4pm
Sunday: Closed
From left to right: Cris Derksen, Cheyenne Scott photo by Alex Muriah, Jaylene Tyme photo by The Drag Series, Ilona Verley, Rebecca Strong
About the Festival
Get ready for a sensational experience at the Vancouver Playhouse with TRANSFORM Festival’s sixth year taking center stage!
From November 6–15, the iconic Vancouver Playhouse will be electrified by five nights of jaw-dropping performances. Co-founded by Corey Payette and Heather Redfern in 2019, TRANSFORM Festival builds relationships and brings communities together to create cultural shifts and cutting-edge world-class performance. This year’s festival continues to break new ground by spotlighting Indigenous artists and fostering dynamic collaborations with non-Indigenous talents. Expect a spectacular fusion of theatre, music, drag, circus, comedy, and more, all designed to forge connections and spark social change.
Trailer
The Line up
Transform Festival: Opening Bash
NOV 06, 2025 | 7:30 PM
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
Kick off TRANSFORM Festival with a bang at our epic Opening BASH—hosted by Canada’s Drag Race Star Jaylene Tyme!
Prepare for an electrifying fusion of dance, circus, music, drag, and mind-blowing performances! Featuring the talents of Maddi Bulloch, Emma Pennell, Yuki the Juggler, Lola Loops, and many more on stage; it’s a night you can’t afford to miss.
Run time: 90 min, no intermission.
All ages.
Wolf Cull
WORKSHOP PRODUCTION
NOV 07, 2025 | 7:30 PM
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
A transformative Indigenous thriller by Cheyenne Scott.
In the near future, five young women — Rebel, Leader, Brawn Wildcard, and Skeptic — are drawn by a shared dream to the hunting grounds, where they uncover mysterious tracks that challenge their skills and the group’s fragile unity. How does the creature manifest within and how do we track, hunt, and transform it?
This development production of this gripping one-act thriller by playwright Cheyenne Scott explores internalized trauma, the knowledge and power of Indigenous women, and the process of healing.
Run time: 90 min, no intermission.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Wolf Cull audiences have two seating options: onstage seating ($29, general admission) or in the auditorium (reserved seating).
WHERE THE
RIVERS MEET
NOV 08, 2025 | 7:30 PM
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
Where the Rivers Meet is a musical journey that celebrates the deep connections between Indigenous cultures and water. Blending ancient traditions with contemporary harmonies, artists like cellist and composer Cris Derksen, Russell Wallace, and Opera sensation Emma Pennell unite in a moving celebration of resilience, identity, and unity.
Run time: 120 min, with intermission.
All ages.
THE STARWALKER EXPERIENCE
NOV 14, 2025 | 7:30 PM
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
Step into the radiant world of Starwalker, where joy is its own form of rebellion. This evening promises a multimedia experience with vocalists, a live band and Canada’s Drag Race stars Ilona Verley, Beth, Synthia Kiss, and HAZEL celebrating the songs of Starwalker, the award-winning musical written and composed by Corey Payette!
Run time: 120 min, with intermission.
All ages.
Presented as part of TRANSFORM 2025
The Mush HOle
NOV 14–16, 2025
HISTORIC THEATRE
By Santee Smith
Toured by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre
(Tkarón:to / Toronto)
A theatrical dance performance about Canada’s first Indian residential school: The Mohawk Institute, aka The Mush Hole.
TRANSFORM FESTIVAL:
CLOSING BASH
NOV 15, 2025 | 7:30 PM
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE
Exhilarating vocals and captivating performances are in store, featuring powerhouse vocalist and Canada’s Got Talent 2024 Winner Rebecca Strong, dancer Maddi Bulloch, drag cellist Michelangela, and multi-talented artist Raven Grenier performing her alt-pop hit Wolverine, you’ll be at the edge of your seat throughout the evening!
Run time: 90 min, no intermission.
All ages.
TRANSFORM Festival 2024 Highlights
TICKET PRICES
THE STARWALKER EXPERIENCE, & CLOSING BASH:
Section A:
$59
Section B:
$39
Section C:
$19
(WORKSHOP PRODUCTION):
Onstage:
$29
Section A:
$29
Section C:
$19
EARLY BIRD SALE
Save 25% on the best seats to Opening BASH, Where the Rivers Meet, The Starwalker Experience and Closing BASH! (Section A and B)
The discount will automatically apply — no promo code necessary!
*Offer expires August 31, cannot be combined with other promotions. Offer is valid for TRANSFORM shows at the Vancouver Playhouse only.
FESTIVAL OFFER
See all 5 Playhouse shows from the best seats for $150!
Select a Section A seat for each TRANSFORM show at the Vancouver Playhouse and the discount will automatically apply.
**Offer is not eligible for The Mush Hole.
WAYS TO SAVE
- Login to your Cultch account or create one
- Select your show date and time
- Choose Section A, B or C seats
- Enter INDIGENOUS in the promo code box and click Apply
The Cultch Connects Program provides complimentary tickets to community organizations and social service groups. It also offers complimentary tickets to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to attending Cultch performances. To request Cultch Connects tickets, please email [email protected]
This program is made possible with the support of our generous donor community. Learn more about what your donation can do for our community.