Indigenous Performance Initiatives (IPI) and the Department of Indigenous Studies Present Anishinaabe Maanjiidwin VIII

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Original Indigenous contemporary dance, music, theatre and storytelling at Trent University March 18 and 19

Monday, March 15, 2010, Peterborough

On Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Trent University’s Indigenous Studies Department, in association with Indigenous Performance Initiatives (IPI), will present Anishinaabe Maanjiidwin VIII: Earth…Water…Wind…Fire, an evening of original Indigenous contemporary dance, music, theatre and storytelling at Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space in Enweying, Peter Gzowksi College. 

All performances are open to the public and admission is by donation. Seats can be reserved by calling (705) 748-1011 x7906. Tickets should be picked up by 7:00 p.m. the day of the show.

2010 is a milestone year in the history of Anishinaabe Maanjiidwin performances at Trent University and the eighth annual production reflects an atmosphere of celebration. Of note, is that the featured guest artist is Norma Araiza, artistic director of Toltec Dance Theatre, Toronto. Ms. Araiza is of Yaqui descent from Mexico; she has created a new choreography based on her original interpretation of the Deer Dance learned from Yaqui elders. With eight dancers and two musicians, the work reflects on traditional aspects of Deer Clan teachings-those who sacrifice themselves for the good of the people. The Deer Dance will also be performed as part of the Trent International Students’ Association Cultural Outreach 2010 at Showplace Performance Centre, Saturday March 20 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
 
Indigenous Performance Studies faculty member Daystar/Rosalie Jones will present Legacy of the Dream as part of Anishinaabe Maanjiidwin. This new work tells the story in dance, speech, drum and song, of the gift of the Jingle Dress to the Anishinaabeg of Whitefish Bay First Nation. All involved extend a respectful Miigwetch (thank you) to cultural consultant Liz Osawamick and her family in the development of this story. In addition, Marrie Mumford explores the world of the Métis with second year Indigenous Theatre students and excerpts from Maria Campbell’s book, Halfbreed. The assistant director is Karyn Drane, a Ph.D. candidate, recently appointed artistic associate at Native Earth Performing Arts in Toronto.
 
Of equal importance are the two works by candidates for the Master’s degree within the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, both of whom are extending the scope of their academic research into the realm of the performance milieu. Sandra Lamouche (Cree) from Alberta, has significant recognition as a professional hoop dancer; her performance will tie that skill to spoken word, song, and ensemble choreography as an expression of the mystery and beauty of the Northern Lights in Cipayak E Nimihitotow (The Spirits are Dancing in the Sky). Drawing on her training with John Turner, Julia Lane created her piece of clown theatre to embody the central themes of her masters research that focuses on Environmental Education, Theatre and Indigenous Knowledge.
 
The artistic producer of this year’s production is Marrie Mumford, Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Arts and Literature at Trent University and artistic director of Nozhem: First Peoples Performance Space. Performers in this year’s production are students of the Indigenous Performance Studies Program and the courses of Indigenous Theatre, Indigenous Dance Theatre, Contemporary Indigenous Music and the Indigenous Stagecraft Practicum.
 
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For more information, please contact:

Deborah Ratelle, (705) 748-1011 ext. 7906 or twospiritproductions@gmail.com