This season, our programs trace the many ways we tell stories: through names and bodies, recipes and memories, poems and performance. As autumn unfolds, we look forward to welcoming you into shared spaces of reflection, creativity, and community, whether you join us in person at the house, online, or somewhere in between.
Monthly Poetry Jam: October 16
Thursday, October 16 | 7-8:30 PM | Historic Joy Kogawa House
About Poetry Jam
Here’s your reminder, poet—because yes, you are one. Whether you’ve been writing for years or you’ve never shared a line out loud, our Poetry Jam with Lindi Nolte is a place to try it on for size.
Each month, Lindi gathers writers, dreamers, and the poetry-curious to listen, share, and remember what language can do when it’s spoken from the heart.
LIAM by Elio Zarrillo — Workshop Reading
Saturday, October 18 | 7– 9 PM | Historic Joy Kogawa House
About LIAM
Developed during Elio’s recent residency at Kogawa House, LIAM is a hybrid poetry-performance work exploring trans experience, grief, and the search for a name.
Featuring direction and dramaturgy by Derek Chan, this lightly staged reading traces the journey of one wanderer through memory, loss, and the dance between materialization and disruption.
Tickets: $15 sliding scale | No one turned away
Content advisory: mentions of sexual assault, surgery, drug use, and the sometimes inevitable plight of being trans
Storytelling and Poetry Workshop with Kevin Wesaquate
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:30–8 PM | VPL Central Branch
About the Event
Join Kevin Wesaquate, our October Writer-in-Residence, for an evening of storytelling and poetry. Drawing on traditional storytelling from the prairies, Kevin offers insights into creating safe and welcoming spaces for sharing. Participants will write, listen, and reflect together, guided by Kevin’s teaching from Piapot First Nation, sahkihitok (“to love one another”.)
Please bring a pen and journal.
In partnership with the Vancouver Public Library.
Book Launch Celebration — The Broken Map Home
Saturday, November 15 | 6:30–8 PM | Upstart & Crow
Join Keiko Honda as she celebrates her new book, The Broken Map Home, a moving translation of her late grandfather Konosuke Masuda’s WWII memoir. This work bridges past and present, honouring resilience, cross-cultural understanding, and the enduring human spirit.
Keiko will be joined in conversation by Tāriq Malik, our past Writer-in-Residence at Historic Joy Kogawa House, for a rich discussion on the book’s insights and the stories that connect us all.
“Through the powerful voice of her grandfather, Keiko illuminates a lesser-known chapter of World War II, reminding us of the enduring strength and compassion that transcends national boundaries. This book is a vital contribution to our understanding of the human cost of conflict and a powerful call for peace and empathy in our fractured world.”—Joy Kogawa
Upcoming Workshop Series: Writing the Erotic with C.E. Gatchalian
Join us this November for a three-part hybrid workshop series at Historic Joy Kogawa House exploring the art of writing the erotic—as resistance, revelation, and reclamation. Delve into how erotic writing can challenge power, express desire, and imagine new freedoms across genres, from theatre to prose.
Who: 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying Asian writers across Canada (all levels welcome).
Dates: Saturdays, Nov 15, 22, 29 | 2–3:30 PM EST / 11 AM–12:30 PM PST
Format: Hybrid — attend in person in Vancouver or online from anywhere.
Finale: Optional public sharing in December.
Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!
Marpole Food Storytelling Project – Community Update
Over the past few weeks, our team has been connecting with the community to gather recipes and stories. The response has been wonderful, as neighbours and friends are excited to share their food traditions and personal stories.
We’re grateful to Marpole Food Hub and Marpole Neighbourhood House, and all community members for their enthusiasm and participation.
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Workshops: Weekend workshops are scheduled for November 1 & 2 and November 22, led by artist Yanting Qiu, where participants will develop their stories inspired by community recipes.
- Celebration/Performance: A final performance will take place on December 14 at the Marpole Neighbourhood House, showcasing stories from the workshops.
- Community Meals: All workshops and gatherings will include a meal, providing a welcoming space for participants and community members.
Stay tuned for the launch of our recipe chapbook, featuring recipes and stories from the community!
Thank you for joining us in this season of stories, creativity, and connection. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Historic Joy Kogawa House