PISUWIN

From award-winning director and choreographer Igor Dobrovolskiy, and multi-disciplinary artist Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet (Possesom) Paul (Wolastoqiyik, Sitansisk First Nation), Pisuwin is an epic first ever Wolastoq story-ballet set to the soaring music of Polaris Prize and Juno award-winning composer Jeremy Dutcher (Wolastoqiyik, Neqotkuk First Nation).

Based on a Wolastoq tale, this multidisciplinary piece reflects on the current state of dis-ease in our world, illuminating a path to wholeness and rebalance. The project features eight dancers and blends indigenous storytelling and ballet, redefining this classical form for a diverse, savvy and contemporary audience. Electronic sound, industrial landscapes and digital projection, juxtaposed with Wolastoq visual motifs of the spiritual and natural world, create the indigenous cosmology within which the story takes place. “Why does the water no longer quench our thirst?” Pisuwin pushes us to confront our greed and alienation, while inspiring us to take a different path; one of connection, community and wholeness.

MAY 12-27, 2023 — Atlantic Tour

MONCTON - FREDERICTON - SAINT JOHN - EDMUNDSTON - MIRAMICHI

Citadel Dance Mix is an annually recurring program, first initiated in 2018. This year, we are excited to present a brand-new work from acclaimed choreographer Jera Wolfe. We are also thrilled to announce the return of NIGHT/SHIFT performers River Waterhen and Winter Hawk, who will both be creating works.

This. Feels like home.

When the house lights dim. Silence cascades over Meridian Hall, muting the exuberant chatter of an FFDN audience humming with anticipation and the curtain draws. There’s no place like home.

Co-presented with our longest-running partner TO Live, ARISE: 2022 Signature Programme showcases four dance pieces by four North American dancemakers on the festival’s largest stage. Curated mixed evenings are what FFDN is famous for and as we welcome you back to our original home, we look forward to celebrating our reunion with another richly diverse and eclectic lineup, with something for everyone.

This evening will take dance enthusiasts on a journey through the artforms and cultures. Starting with an electrifying FFDN-commissioned world premiere by tap choreographer Dianne Montgomery, followed by the mesmerizing synchronicity of traditional Hawaiian Hula led by Kaleo Trinidad of Honolulu and concluding with the enchantment of a momentous ballet by Jera Wolfe, featuring over 110  dance students from Canada’s National Ballet School. The audience will also be treated to a new dance film by Indigenous theatre maker and actor Michael Greyeyes, accompanied by a 13-member live string orchestra in an exciting partnership with Soundstreams.

The recurring theme of this year’s signature programme embraces a coming together, joy and the lightness of celebration to be back. As the title of Jera’s magnificent work sums it up best, we are ready to ARISE.

This is an in-person presentation taking place at Meridian Hall (1 Front Street, Toronto).

All seats are $15, +HST and fees.

This event is also part of the Festival Package, which can help you enjoy additional festival performances and save 15%. Festival Packages are available now. 

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Performance schedule:

Thursday, Oct 6, 7:30 PM

Friday, Oct 7, 7:30 PM

Saturday, Oct 8, 2:00 PM