The Isolation Diaries: Theatre’s Rena Cohen
With theatres, galleries, stores, and restaurants shuttered to flatten the COVID-19 curve, we’ve reached out to people in Vancouver’s creative sector to find out what they’re watching, how they’re coping, and where they’re finding inspiration.
THE ARTIST
After 10 years of leading Realwheels Theatre, artistic director Rena Cohen has been preparing to leave the helm. Directing plays like Act of
Faith, producing shows like Creeps and Super Voices, and launching a playwright-in-residence program are just a few of her accomplishments that have made big strides for this city’s disability-inclusive arts. While the group launches a search for her replacement, the theatre artist continues to work with it on a project-by-project basis. We caught up with her during stay-at-home measures, before she starts the next chapter in her life.
NO. 1 THING THAT’S GETTING YOU THROUGH
“We’re fostering a dog, which gets us outside every day and is a constant reason for house cleaning and sanitizing!”
COMFORT FOOD
“My slow-scrambled eggs are key to morning happiness. Sometimes I alternate with egg-white omelettes, into which I toss Trader Joe’s Olive Tapenade; I’m rationing out that stuff like its caviar.
“I’m eating my weight in chocolate. Chocolate—the kind with high concentration of cocoa—is actually high-fibre. You’re welcome.
“Love cooking, but have never been into baking. Lately, evenings have felt like a good time to bake mandelbroit (like biscotti) or cheesecake. Both gluten-free ’cause I’m a card-carrying celiac.”
QUARANTINE SOUNDTRACK
“Lizzo’s ‘Good as Hell’ gets me up and dancing, her ‘Phone’ makes me laugh, and how can you not be in awe of her impeccable vocals in ‘Cuz I Love You’?”
CREATIVE OR LEARNING OUTLET
“Things haven’t slowed down at Realwheels (yet). Creative projects and meetings have shifted online. I’m working as hard as ever, and that’s my creative outlet. Anticipating a slow-down in June.”
FITNESS HACK
“See walking Chester (above). See dancing to Lizzo (above).”