Gun power treason
Winnipeg Wrath Fawkes with your head
JASMIN PICHLYK
“Remember, remember, the fifth of November,” is the tag line from the flyer for the Winnipeg Wrath Network’s upcoming event, Fawkes With Your Head, being held at the Collective Cabaret. Although the show is actually taking place on the fourth of November, it is the celebration of a popular U.K. holiday, Guy Fawkes Day, 400 years after the eponymic Fawkes was put to death for treason.
The holiday commemorates the conspiracy to burn down the British Parliament by Guy Fawkes, a British soldier and conspirator. Although Guy Fawkes Day was recently popularized by the film V for Vendetta, Jaymez, one of the Wrath Network promoters, said, “we have been kicking around the idea of a Fawkes Day show for years, long before the movie came out.” Originally intending to throw a Halloween event, they opted instead to hold it a week later. The idea was originally brought to the table by Fanny (who hails from Scotland), one of the artists scheduled to play the night. On the bill, alongside Fanny and Jaymez, is Winnipeg’s infamous Venetian Snares, as well as Cakebuilder and newcomer Encode.
The theme of the show can be somewhat controversial in this day and age, as it deals with what would today be labelled as terrorism. Jaymez defended their choice of theme by saying “Guy Fawkes, as a symbol, seems to represent the ability to speak up and act out against a government which one doesn’t agree with, more so than simply terrorism, or violence against the public.”
The holiday is not celebrated in Canada, so for the group, throwing an event such as this may give the impression that it is the message being celebrated more so than the holiday. When asked about the importance of making Canadians aware of the events surrounding the holiday, Jaymez responded, “I think it’s something few North Americans are aware of, or at least weren’t aware of before the movie, and I think it’s important to know that there have been people who dared to act out against the government. And even if they didn’t take the best route, they weren’t afraid to express their dislike for those in power.” The message seems to be more relevant now, in a time when leaders have such low approval ratings.
Besides the strong political motifs, Jaymez emphasized that the event is primarily about the music, and that “although it does have a relevant political message, for us it is simply a chance to get together for a night of good music that isn’t commonly heard in the city.” The music should definitely be the main attraction at this event, as it will give people a chance to hear some of Winnipeg’s most talented musicians, including Fanny and Venetian Snares, who will be returning from Europe to play that evening. Unfortunately, due to laws prohibiting bonfires in night clubs, no effigies will be burned.
Winnipeg Wrath Network: Fawkes With Your Head is taking place Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Collective Cabaret, 108 Osborne. Tickets are $6 and doors open at 9:30 p.m.. For more information visit www.winnipegwrath. net.
