The TDSB Arts Department, in collaboration with the Aboriginal Education Centre, is presenting Across Experiences on June 8. This cross-cultural program features works created by secondary students under the direction of Artistic Directors Naomi Savage, Monica Rosas, and Debbie Nicholls-Skerritt.
The production invites audiences to think and feel deeply about concepts of visibility and invisibility and empowerment in our personal lives. First Nations, Metis and Inuit perspectives are woven into the performance through theatre, dance, and new media.
June is National Aboriginal History Month and Across Experiences aims to build cross-cultural understanding with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students through the arts. A company of approximately 25 students of diverse backgrounds has been working with professional artists and artist-educators to develop original pieces throughout the past few months. The goal is to empower these youth, and provide them with artistic tools, practices, techniques and a platform that gives voice to their stories.
Performances take place at the Young People’s Theatre at 165 Front St. E.:
Matinee Performance and Screening of Films: 1 pm - sold out!
Evening Gala Performance and Screening of Films: 7 pm
RSVP to janet.oneill@tdsb.on.ca
More about Across Experiences:
DRAMA: IN/VISIBLE
This play presents real stories of bullying and homophobia that highlight feelings of invisibility in school. It further explores how issues of invisibility are connected to the stories and experiences of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in Canada. If we do not look at our nation’s history of oppression, are we condemned to repeat the same mistakes? The artistic expressions of these student performers will inspire audiences to learn more about our past so that we may journey forward together - empowered, hopeful, and committed to social change.
DANCE: Dimensions of Vision…still unseen…
This piece explores the theme of invisibility through a dance journey, beginning with isolation and moving towards personal liberation. Explorations of oppression, fear and empowerment are woven into personal expressions of voice and identity through original choreography. Students tell their stories of what it means to be ‘seen’ through the physical languages of Krump, Contemporary/Modern, and Stepping fused with traditional Aboriginal vocal soundscapes.
Short Films: Six shorts about identity and invisibility.
