Indigenous, Ukrainian performers use dance to reveal lost stories
FISH GRIWKOWSKY
A bold new production by Shumka will pair Indigenous and Ukrainian cultures in a program making its world premiere at the Jubilee Auditorium April 27 and 28.
According to Shumka’s website, the multiple disciplinary show titled Ancestors and Elders “is a project borne from a desire to connect the Ukrainian settler experience to that of the Indigenous people of Treaty 6 territory. In a production to feature a cast of Shumka Dancers and multidisciplinary Indigenous artists, our goal is to share a story of the first Ukrainian newcomers to Canada, exploring the shared values — as well as respected differences — between Ukrainian and First Nations people.”
As well as evening performances, public outreach, and educational events and programs are part of the project.
As noted in the company’s news release, “Survival, for both Indigenous and Ukrainian immigrant people in Alberta, often meant silence: lost stories and connections between our communities help us all survive tremendous loss and struggle. We use dance to begin to break that silence.”
With a team including more than 40 Alberta-based designers, artists, storytellers, musicians and dancers, Ancestors and Elders is directed by Indigenous theatre artist Barry Bilinsky and Shumka’s Joseph Hoffman.
Besides the company dancers, the list of participants is diverse and impressive, including story consultation and poetry by former Edmonton poet laureate Anna Marie Sewell; music by Carissa Klopoushak, Mike Romaniak and Anders Hunter. Visual art is by Lana Whiskeyjack and Svitlana Kravchuk. Costume design is Megan Koshka, with consultation by Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses, Trinity Chopyk and MaryAnn Baziuk. Lighting design is by Jeff Osterlin. Projection design is by Elijah Lindenberger.
Guest performances include Running Thunder Dancers, Darlene Auger and others.
Tickets are $15-$60 plus service charges through Ticketmaster.ca, and go on sale 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22.
Head to shumka.com for more information, and a sneak peek at some behind the scenes photos.