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PR: Weesageechak 23 December 15, 2010

Weesageechak 23 and The Last Night On Earth

Native Earth Performing Arts brings the performing arts together once again for the 23rd annual Weesageechak festival of new works – including theatre, dance, film, spoken word, and new media.  This five day curated festival showcases the many forms of expression within indigenous performing arts.

January 22 – Theatre for Young Audiences.  Young audiences will receive a fun and meaningful introduction to the war of 1812 with Michaela Washburn and Carrie Costello’s Water Under the Bridge. Told through the interactive adventures and negotiations of a young European and young First Nation woman, Water Under the Bridge focuses on sharing an increasingly important message of peace and rebuilding.

January 26 – Dance and Dance on Film.  For the first time, this year’s festival is proud to welcome the only company in Canada dedicated to teach and perform both Métis and contemporary dance: Compaigni V’ni Dansi.  Through her solo show fusing dance and projection, artistic director Yvonne Chartrand tells the original story of one woman’s quest for Métis truth in Stories From St. Laurent.  The evening also boasts a presentation of Seven Seconds, a short film by Michael Greyeyes who recently directed Native Earth’s highly acclaimed tour of Daniel David Moses’ Almighty Voice and His Wife.

January 27 – Theatre.  Weesageechak veteran Keith Barker returns this year with The Hours That Remain.  Developed through the festival in 2010 The Hours That Remain is a haunting account of the remnants that our lives become when we suffer the loss of a loved one.  Weesageechak 23 marks its highly anticipated first full read.

January 28 – Dance, Theatre, Emcee.  A jam packed evening featuring emcee M.O., dance and theatre exploring the heart of identity, change and growth through works by emerging artists hailing from 8 Nations and 5 provinces.

January 29 – Spoken Word, Media Art, Film.  Weesageechak 23’s final evening showcases a range of high profile artists performing in several forms:  Vancouver’s Zaccheus Jackson and Michigan-based Ami Mattison perform spoken word, media artist Archer Pechawis presents Horse, and red diva projects presents The Road Forward, recently honoured with the American Indian Film Festival Award: Best Music Video.  January 29th is also the last night on earth.  After eight years, Yvette Nolan celebrates her last evening as Artistic Director of the company and Native Earth welcomes the new AD and the beginning of a new artistic vision for the company.

            PLEASE ADD TO LISTINGS:

Native Earth Performing Arts presents

Weesageechak Begins to Dance Festival XXIII

Featuring new works in development by Michaela Washburn, Carrie Costello, Yvonne Chartrand, Michael Greyeyes, Keith Barker, Zaccheus Jackson, Ami Mattison, Archer Pechawis, red diva projects and participants in the Young Voices program.

January 22, 2011.  2pm
The Native Canadian Centre
16 Spadina Rd.
PWYC

January 26-29, 2011. 8pm.
The Theatre Centre
1087 Queen St. West
Toronto, Ontario

Tickets: $10/night, $30/festival pass.
Single tickets: 416.538.0988
Group sales: 416.531.1402
www.nativeearth.ca