NOW THAT’S USING YOUR HEAD
Fred Nicolas, a former member of Cirque du Soleil, performs a stunt during Theatre in the Pool’s performance of Earth Diver. The company is pairing theatre professionals with Indigenous youth to perform the Cree creation story at George Ward Pool.
Eight months after moving to Saskatoon, Gurnoor Kaur is dipping her toes back into theatre. The 12-year-old, who is originally from India, is part of Sum Theatre’s latest endeavour, Theatre in the Pool, a summer camp that combines swimming, storytelling and public performance.
“I used to do theatre in my school back home and that was a good experience,” she said.
A week into the program, she was enjoying the experience and learning new things. Her favourite part was playing games.
“Everyone is so friendly and nice and welcoming,” she said.
The concept, created by the local company known for pushing theatre boundaries with its Theatre in the Park series, will see the 40 young people join forces with theatre professionals to stage Earth Diver, the Cree creation story, at George Ward Pool. The children, all of whom are newcomers to Saskatoon or Indigenous youth, started camp on July 10. The program
includes swimming lessons, drama workshops and yoga classes. The two-week experience concludes with free public performances from July 19 to 21.
Kaur’s mom works at the Open Door Society and thought her daughter would enjoy the experience. So far, Kaur said the most challenging part of the program is the yoga.
In addition to local professional actors, the cast also includes former Olympic gymnast and Cirque du Soleil performer Fred Nicolas. During the show, he performs acrobatics using a vertical pole.
“It’s not the first time I’ve worked in a pool. I was in Le Reve for five years in Las Vegas so I know water,” he said. “It is good to jump in again.”
Nicolas, who is originally from France, moved to Saskatoon three years ago and teaches at Marian Gymnastics with his wife, a fellow gymnast.
Nicolas said Theatre in the Pool isn’t the kind of show people often see, particularly in a city the size of Saskatoon.
“It’s fantastic to bring something special like that to Saskatoon. I hope a lot of people will come to see what we can do,” he said.
The show, which runs every 15 minutes from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., is narrated by local Indigenous rapper MC Lina Razor and MK AK, who recently immigrated to Saskatoon from Syria. Members of the public are invited to join in a free swim between shows.
Kaur said she thinks people will be interested in Earth Diver because it’s the first time a show like this has been done in Canada.
“And it’s free,” added Nicolas.