Let's get to it! Meet this week's guest editor: Jason Roop, the former editor in chief of Style Weekly. He's also the founder of the public relations and content marketing firm Springstory. We're honored to have Jason share his tips for exploring this place we call home. Take it away, Jason!
March will go out like a lamb this weekend, with temperatures heading back to the mid-70s and the promise of bright days ahead. Last week’s vernal equinox, with the arrival of spring, passed through the constellation Pisces. Years ago it came through Aries — in Greek mythology, a golden ram, for you VCU fans. Time, space and distance can intertwine in fascinating ways — elements of storytelling that stick in the mind and linger through generations. Some Richmond experiences bring faraway places and ideas into our own galaxy this weekend, traveling from there to here.
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Theatre Festival
One story starts in Africa, with a 17-year-old named Chaku. She’s sold into slavery in the play “Message From a Slave,” written by Margarette Joyner, artistic director of the Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company. It’s “a moving tale of love and resilience that would deliver a powerful message at any time,” theater critic Julinda Lewis writes. “In My Chair” features Richmond performer Eva DeVirgilis sharing her own story in a one-woman show. Both plays are among those featured in The Women’s Theatre Festival, featuring four local theater companies and Richmond’s talented female artists. It kicked off Wednesday and runs through April 20. Photo by Destiny Martinez Photography.
Vitals:
March 27 - April 20
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Film Festival
In 1993, Peter and Françoise Kirkpatrick started what has become an internationally renowned festival. Directors, cinematographers, actors and fans travel to Richmond each year along with a massive portfolio of work. You could feast on these films till you no longer need the subtitles. Pick a feature off the full schedule and go. Or try out the short film series, which runs Saturday and Sunday mornings at The Byrd Theatre. Stay to wander through a perhaps star-studded Carytown. If Can Can Brasserie is full, head across the street for other international flavors at Tulsi Indian Cuisine. Get started with an order of warm garlic naan, with its fresh cilantro, and rosemary & thyme kulcha.
Vitals:
27th French Film Festival
Thursday, March 28 - Sunday, March 31
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Showcase
From San Diego to Charlotte, masters of motion bring their new choreography to Richmond for a unique showcase. Among the artists traveling to town is one who’s already here — Lauren Lambert, a senior at the University of Richmond, whose work recently was featured at the University Dancers’ spring concert, “In/Motion.” Check out three performances of eclectic dance works on Saturday and Sunday at The Grace Street Theater. Photo by Christopher Risch Photography.
Vitals:
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Sometimes you need to get on the road. For a day trip and the best gouda you’ll ever taste in your life, head to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Crozet. I visited the other week, where Sister Claire told me about the milk that came from Mennonite diary farmers in the Shenandoah Valley, and the cheese that’s been made at the monastery since 1990. You can buy a 2-pound wheel (cash or check) and take it to the nearby Stinson Vineyards to enjoy with your wine tasting.
Do you have a Virginia road trip you’d like to recommend? Send it along to Jason and sign up for his free Springstory newsletter for communication tips, resources and advice on storytelling.
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