Performance

TH'OWXIYA: The Hungry Feast Dish

Elizabeth Rogers — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 13:58:32 +0000

TH'OWXIYA: The Hungry Feast Dish Elizabeth Rogers Mon, 10/28/2024 - 09:58

Written by: Joseph A. Dandurand

Directed by: Andy Houston

When you take something from the earth you must always give something back.

From the Kwantlen First Nation village of Squa’lets comes the tale of Th’owxiya, an old and powerful spirit that inhabits a feast dish of tempting, beautiful foods from around the world. But even surrounded by this delicious food, Th’owxiya herself craves only the taste of children. When she catches a hungry mouse named Kw’at’el stealing a piece of cheese from her dish, she threatens to devour Kw’at’el’s whole family, unless he can bring Th’owxiya two child spirits. Ignorant but desperate, Kw’at’el sets out on an epic journey to fulfill the spirit’s demands. With the help of Sqeweqs, two Spa:th and Sasq’ets, Kw’at’el endeavours to find gifts that would appease Th’owxiya and save his family.

Like “Hansel and Gretel” and the northwest First Nations stories about the Wild Woman of the Woods, Th’owxiya—which integrates masks, song, and dance—is a tale of understanding boundaries, being responsible for one’s actions, forgiving mistakes and finding the courage to stand up for what’s right.

This show is considered “Theatre for Young Audiences”. Ages 4 to 104.

Running Time: 1 hour (no intermission)

Ticket prices: General Public $15 / Students & Seniors $10 / High school and children $5

10% discount for groups of 10 or more people. Contact the box office in person or by phone, 519-888-4908 for the group rate.

Bridge 2024: Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People

Olivia Vanderwal — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:14:08 +0000

Bridge 2024: Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Olivia Vanderwal Mon, 09/09/2024 - 12:14

Please participate in Bridge: Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People, an annual installation for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ.

Opening Ceremony on Thursday, October 24 at 10:00 AM
Closing Ceremony on Thursday, November 7 at 10:00 AM

Both ceremonies will take place at the Ceremonial Fire Grounds and the bridge between Environment 3 and United College and will be followed by a catered Soup Lunch.

All are invited to stay for a Soup Lunch hosted by the Shatitsirótha' ��ݮ��Ƶ Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) after the Opening and Closing Ceremonies from 12:30 to 2:00 PM. Al McDonald is returning as the Ceremonial Fire Keeper.

Working with Shatitsirótha' ��ݮ��Ƶ Indigenous Student Centre (WISC), the Office of Indigenous Relations (ORI), the Sexual Violence Prevention Response Office (SVPRO), and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Dr. Sorouja Moll initiated Bridge in 2015 to create a space for all University community members to learn about the crisis as they reflect upon their responsibilities and share in speaking the names of the lives taken to honour and remember as the red fabric is tied to the bridge between Environment 3 and United College.

For the Opening Ceremony, we are requesting volunteers to read the names — please contact Sorouja Moll.

The gesture to name, remember, and honour the 5000+ missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People across the many Nations in Canada is an active engagement in learning about the depth of the crisis in the Canada while resisting and (en)countering the existing silence that continues to shroud it. Originally installed in Montreal in 2009, as The Writing Names Project, Moll's research-creation initiative is a counter memorial and is part of a meaningful and sustained collaborative intercultural praxis between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Watch the Bridge: Honouring the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People 2019 video.

Franz Kafka's In the Penal Colony: Performance and Symposium

Olivia Vanderwal — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 19:21:22 +0000

Franz Kafka's In the Penal Colony: Performance and Symposium Olivia Vanderwal Wed, 09/04/2024 - 15:21

The ��ݮ��Ƶ Centre for German Studies and the Department of Communication Arts at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ are proud to present In the Penal Colony, a performance and symposium event.

Based on Franz Kafka’s 1915 short story, this site-responsive performance reveals contemporary resonances in unexpected and engaging ways as it animates Kafka’s story through the unique architectural qualities of the of the staging location. Following the performance, In the Penal Colony will be discussed by University of ��ݮ��Ƶ scholars, reflecting on Kafka’s representation of early 20^th century colonial incarceration and its continued impact in the present day.

Commemorating the 100^th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death in 1924, the event addresses the aspects of his writing that identify the Euro-colonial apparatus that structured society in Kafka’s time and its legacies in education, law, policing, politics, and architecture today.

Kafka asks us to view the world differently, from our position of privilege and benefit. In the Penal Colony asks, can we recognize the machinery that operates within our lives? Can we identify the parts of this apparatus that shape our lives and understanding of the world?

“If the book we’re reading doesn’t wake us up with a blow on the head, what are we reading it for?... We need books to affect us like a disaster, that grieve us deeply, like the death of someone we loved more than ourselves, like being banished into forests far from everyone, like a suicide. A book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside us.” -From a letter written by Franz Kafka, January 27, 1904

Feryn Karahkwiiohhstha King: Hoop Dance Performance and Workshop

Wendy Philpott — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:53:23 +0000

Feryn Karahkwiiohhstha King: Hoop Dance Performance and Workshop Wendy Philpott Mon, 03/11/2024 - 15:53

Please join us for a hoop dance performance and workshop with Feryn King, an Indigenous (Mohawk) artist, professional international hoop dancer, and member of the Wolf Clan in Akwesasne, Quebec.

Performance

Everyone is welcome to gather in the Hagey Hall Hub to watch the hoop dance performance at 2:30 p.m. We are grateful that Feryn will share her talents and this thrilling form of Indigenous dance with our ��ݮ��Ƶ community. This event is sponsored by the ��ݮ��Ƶ Indigenous Student Centre, the Office of Indigenous Relations, and the Department of History.

Workshop

From 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Feryn will offer a hoop-making and dancing workshop in Alumni Hall, United College.

To register for the workshop, please email Lily MacKenzie. Spaces are limited.

More about Feryn King

Feryn Karahkwiiohhstha King's name in the Kani'ekeha Language means ''She Makes the Moon Beautiful,'' or ''Bright Moon.'' She is a professional international hoop dancer, cultural instructor, acrobatic performer in Aerial Lyra, and a visual artist. Feryn has travelled abroad all across Canada, some parts in the United States, and overseas in Europe sharing her passion of dance.

If you have any questions about the performance or workshop, please contact Dr. Susan Roy.

She Kills Monsters

Wendy Philpott — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:39:59 +0000

She Kills Monsters Wendy Philpott Wed, 11/08/2023 - 14:39

The Theatre and Performance program's fall show, She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen, tells the story of Agnes Evans who, following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly, discovers Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook. Curious, she recruits an avid D&D player to guide her through this unknown world. She finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge.

This high-octane dramatic comedy, nestled in 90’s pop-culture, is filled with not only all the things’ Dungeons and Dragons has to offer: battles, spells, and monsters, but also explores themes of identity, grief, friendship, and the search to uncover a way to keep moving forward when it seems like you can’t.

Watch the trailer...

View "She Kills Monsters trailer (Nov 2023)" on YouTube

Featuring a diverse cast of characters of powerful female warriors, mythical creatures, and even a few demons, the story is filled with action-packed fight scenes, witty one-liners, and a queer love story. While steeped in the world of D&D, She Kills Monsters is a thrilling theatrical experience for everyone - even those who’ve never played the game before. Directed by guest-artist David Leyshon, the world designed by Jay Havens (scenography), Nadine Grant (costumes), Sarah Mansikka (lighting), and Colin Labadie (sound) will ask the audience to engage their hearts and imaginations, and leave everyone feeling hopeful, entertained, and inspired.

Please note this show is recommended for grades 9 and up. There is mature language.

Also, student matinees: Wednesday, Nov 22 at 11:30 a.m. & Thursday, Nov 23 at 12:00 p.m.

Special Presentation: Rock This Town

Eric Norris — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:03:41 +0000

Special Presentation: Rock This Town Eric Norris Mon, 04/24/2023 - 12:03

Rock This Town brings to life the exciting history of rock music concerts in KW from the 1960s and 1970s with an insider’s look into the local live music scene.

The documentary was produced by Betty Anne Keller (BA '69), who has extensive history of promoting arts in the Region of ��ݮ��Ƶ, first as a concert promoter, and later as a municipal employee. She still works in the promotion of the local arts scene, with Rock This Town being her latest effort.

Betty Anne will join us for an exclusive post-screening chat alongside Joe Recchia (BASC '68, MASC '71) and Gary Stewart, moderated by Megan Vander Woude (BKI ’12, MA ’13).

Black And Free: Art Exhibition and Symposium at Ken Seiling ��ݮ��Ƶ Region Museum

Wendy Philpott — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:04:10 +0000

Black And Free: Art Exhibition and Symposium at Ken Seiling ��ݮ��Ƶ Region Museum Wendy Philpott Tue, 02/28/2023 - 11:04

For centuries Black people all over the world have used visual art, literature, performance, theatre, music and other means of expression to imagine and advocate for freedom in their public and private lives. Started by Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae in 2017, Black And Free is an artistic and academic experience that deepens, enlivens and expresses themes of blackness and freedom projecting expansive visions of what that could be for engaged, curious and casual members of the public.

“I believe in artists’ ability to connect, express, and inspire” says Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae “and I believe that if artists, educators and other people are engaging with the topic of blackness and freedom, then good will come of it for all society.”

The exhibition at Ken Seiling ��ݮ��Ƶ Region Museum will feature new commissions by artists Emkay Adjei-Manu, Lillian Allen, Sydné Barnes-Wright, A. Decker, Damola Disu, Aljumaine Gayle and Janine Ilya. Each artist’s work tells a unique story that explores the multifaceted experiences of Blackness and freedom through historic and contemporary lenses.

Come experience the work and join us for conversations with the artists on March 25 & 26 from 12pm-3pm and a presentation by guest speaker Dr. Andrea A. Davis on March 25.

Featured artists, March 25

Lillian Allen
Sydné Barnes-Wright
Damola Disu

Featured artists, March 26

Symposium

In addition, closed to the public, the Symposium takes place concurrently after hours at the Ken Seiling ��ݮ��Ƶ Region Museum. During that time, a small group of Black Studies scholars – Dr. Shaunasea Brown, Dr. Ronald Cummings, Dr. Yasmine Espert, Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Nataleah Hunter-Young, Dr. Johonna McCants-Turner and Dr. Ola Mohammed – have been invited to have a series of discussions to collectively reflect on blackness and freedom as expressed in the Art Exhibition and within their own areas of expertise.

Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae is the Principal Investigator of Black and Free research-creation project that brings together artists, academics, students and the following organizations: Citizen Brand; Ken Seiling ��ݮ��Ƶ Region Museum; NOR: The design commons for Canada; Studio Otherness

Black And Free: New Art at THEMUSEUM

Wendy Philpott — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:12:21 +0000

Black And Free: New Art at THEMUSEUM Wendy Philpott Wed, 02/08/2023 - 13:12

Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae’s Black And Free research-creation project features Ontario-based Black artists Beck Deresse, Ken Daley, Miss Coco Murray, Simone Patricia, Suritah Wignall, and Tafui at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener during February and March. The artists have been commissioned to create original work in the medium of their choice on the topic of blackness and freedom. Each artist’s work tells a unique story that explores the multifaceted experiences of blackness and freedom through historic and contemporary lenses. Please join us in-person by RSVPing via the details links below for each event, or join online on YouTube (with closed captions) for conversations featuring a different artist and their new artwork each Wednesday.

Black And Free: New Art events on Wednesdays at THEMUSEUM

February 8, 6:30 pm | Ken Daley — Moko Jumbies

Ken Daley is an award-winning artist/illustrator, who is known for his use of bold colours, and authentic details to depict Black Life in all its iterations. He works in various medias such as oils, acrylics, and digital. As part of the Black and Free: New Art series, his exhibition piece Moko Jumbies, explores Carnival as expression of Blackness and freedom while playing homage to enslaved and freed African ancestors. Moko Jumbies details.

February 15, 6:30 pm | Simone Patricia — Project Pat

Afro – Caribbean artist Simone Patricia is a contemporary abstract/realist artist from the ��ݮ��Ƶ Region. As part of the Black and Free: New Art Work series, her exhibition piece Project Pat is a depiction of Black Renaissance. The artwork showcases the beauty of and glorifies the “projects” and “ghettos.” The purpose of this project is to show the true beauty of these places through the people that come from said places. Project Pat details.

March 1, 6:30 pm | Miss Coco Murray — Un ‘loc’ de riddims in meh body

Collette “Coco” Murray is a dance educator, cultural arts programmer, mentor, and arts consultant. As part of the Black and Free: New Art series, her exhibition and performance Un ‘loc’ de riddims in meh body, is a visual movement journey where dance photography visually amplifies how a body in geopolitical spaces across the Afrodisapora can exist, claim, and sustain nuances of being Afrodescendant. The rooted connections to carnival, culturally significant practices, training, and intellectual discourse represents ways this melanated, dancing body liberates in conversation with cultures. Un ‘loc’ de riddims in meh body details.

March 8, 6:30 pm | Suritah Wignall — Mai ba da labari

Afro-Caribbean Canadian artist Suritah Teresa Wignall is a passionate communicator who uses her exuberant, colourful paintings to pay homage to her cultural roots. As part of the Black and Free: New Art series, her exhibition piece Mai ba da labari (The Storyteller) is a legacy painting of Goggo (Grandma), telling the story of her journey and how she ended up in Jamaica. Goggo’s Soyayya (love) pushes through. We listen, because our freedom is her. Our freedom, depends on us understanding our past. Mai ba da labari details.

March 15, 6:30 pm | TAFUI – Typeface

TAFUI is an educator, designer and painter. Her paintings are inspired by deconstructing cultures into their base elements and symbols, looking for the similarities and relationships they share. As part of the Black and Free: New Art series, she will be sharing the progress on the original typeface design for the Black and Free project that she is creating in collaboration with BAF partner Studio Otherness. Typeface details.

Bodo Hell & Peter Gruber: Nature Writers

Elizabeth Rogers — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 15:35:29 +0000

Bodo Hell & Peter Gruber: Nature Writers Elizabeth Rogers Fri, 08/26/2022 - 11:35

Bodo Hell and Peter Gruber are poets, writers – and shepherds. These two long-time members of the Austrian literary scene spend their summers tending sheep and cattle in the Austrian Alps, an experience with the land and landscapes that informs their modern and contemporary prose and poetry. Each has multiple publications to his name.

Join Bodo and Peter for an evening in which they combine film, photos, and readings that will give insight into their lives and art.

Bodo Hell and Peter Gruber are appearing with the support of the Austrian Embassy Ottawa to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Austrian-Canadian diplomatic relations.

This event will take place in German.

Schedule:

6 p.m.: Reception with finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks
7 p.m: Bodo Hell and Peter Gruber: Nature Writers – multimedia reading

Free parking available: at the Museum lot on the corner of Erb Street and Father David Bauer Drive. It is free after 5 p.m. T

This event is free and open to all, but we do ask that you register in advance to help with numbers for the reception. Facemasks are encouraged but not required.

Learn more about Bodo and Peter's work

You can visit their websites to learn more about each writer and his work:

Three Minute Thesis: Faculty of Arts heat 2020

Kaitlin O'Brien — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 17:20:34 +0000

Three Minute Thesis: Faculty of Arts heat 2020 Kaitlin O'Brien Mon, 01/20/2020 - 12:20

Join us for the Arts 3 Minute Thesis heat and learn about the outstanding graduate research happening within the Faculty of Arts! Graduate students will convey the breadth and significance of their graduate research to a panel of judges.

Come by to watch, listen, learn, be inspired and support our graduate students—or register to participate in the heat!

The competition

The 3MT invites graduate students to participate in this friendly contest that challenges graduate students to communicate their research in clear, concise, engaging and accessible ways. Competitors use only one slide and have three minutes to present their thesis and its “so what?” value to an audience of peers. The winner(s) of the Arts heat will move on to compete in the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ 3MT competition on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Andriy Struk, PhD candidate in Psychology, won the People's Choice Award in 2019 at the Arts 3MT heat.

Judging

The heat will have a chair to host and ensure the competition runs smoothly and the rules are followed. And, of course there will be three judges. For 2020, these supportive individuals are:

Chair — Andrea Charette (BA ’93), Faculty Relations and Administrative Officer, Office of the Dean of Arts
Judge — Matthew Grant (BA ’98, MA ’04), Director of Media Relations, University Relations
Judge — Phoebe Wong (BA ’98), Senior Alumni Engagement Officer, Arts Advancement
Judge — David Tucker (MASc ’75, PhD ’79), HR Consultant

Lunch

Yes, there is a free lunch after the event for all competitors and attendees. A pizza lunch will be served once the competition has concluded.