Culture Days
It was with curious interest and a general sense of confusion that a group of lunchtime onlookers watched an abstract, interpretive dance performance at City Square Plaza on Friday.
“I have no idea what it means,” one passerby smiled. “But it sure is interesting.” The group was Montrealbased Les Fermieres Obsedees, and the performance was nothing if not interesting.
The three performers, backed by a synthesizerheavy soundtrack and wearing skin-coloured leotards, covered themselves in chocolate syrup, danced out of sync and rolled round the stage.
The bizarre display captured the attention of the lunchtime crowd, and highlighted the diversity of the event known as Culture Days.
But even if obscure, messy interpretive dance isn’t your thing, you’re likely to find something that is this weekend as Culture Days invades Regina.
“What it is is allowing communities in Saskatchewan and groups in Saskatchewan to have free, interactive cultural activities that people from the community can participate in,” said Dean Kush, assistant general manager of SaskCulture.
More than 225 activities will be taking place throughout Saskatchewan over the weekend, featuring everything from hoop dancing and painting to beadwork and drumming.
“There’s so many (events) it’s even hard to cover, but it covers everything from multiculturalism to heritage to creative industries to true art,” Kush said.
All events are free, and most are completely interactive.
So if you’ve ever wanted to play the drums or learn how an artist paints a masterpiece, now’s your chance.
“It’s really cool because it can be hands-on,” Kush said. “That doesn’t happen too often.”
One of Kush’s favourite examples of the interactive nature of Culture Days, he said, involved a man passing by an art form that he used to practise in high school but hadn’t in a very long time.
“He sort of rediscovered some of those passions that he had,” Kush said.
“So if it gives a chance for people just to re-engage a little bit, and to learn more about some of the cultural organizations and artists around them, nobody’s gonna get hurt.”
The cross-country event — now taking place in 800 communities across the country — has expanded across the province over the past four years.
Fifty Saskatchewan communities will be holding Culture Days events this weekend.
A list of events and performances can be found online at www.culturedays.ca.