MEDIA RELEASE: 27 October 2020 – R0161

Activism and climate change will collide with performing arts over three days of online events held as part of the Walker Cultural Leaders Series.

Brock University’s Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) has teamed up with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre to offer online performances and virtual discussions from Friday, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Nov. 15.

Convened by DART Professors David Fancy and Karen Fricker, the weekend will include the sharing of five commissioned performances meant to inspire conversation and critical thought, as well as a live-streamed performance of Broadleaf Theatre’s award-winning production, The Chemical Valley Project, co-created by Kevin Matthew Wong and Julia Howman, and a panel discussion with contributing artists including Fancy, Wong and Santee Smith from Kaha:wi Dance Theatre.

As part of the Walker Cultural Leaders Series, Brock University commissioned 10 regional theatre artists to create short online presentations exploring the climate crisis in relation to any area of their interest. The first five performances will be showcased as part of the November event and will include artists who are performers, designers, educators and writers. These artists have explored a multitude of themes in relation to climate change including consumerism, feminism, colonialism, COVID-19, healing, ecological grief and more. Excerpts of these works in progress will be shown followed by a Q&A session allowing the audience to engage with the performers.

“We’re committed to manifesting Marilyn Walker’s vision and legacy of cultural leadership by bringing creative and critical attention to the climate crisis,” said Fancy. “We’re especially grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with the PAC on this series of presentations.”

Annie Wilson, PAC’s Programming Supervisor, said the “climate crisis is going to require our collective creativity to rise to its challenges.”

“We appreciate the chance to work alongside Brock’s Dramatic Arts Department to build this opportunity to reflect as a community on this most important issue.”

Upcoming Walker Cultural Leaders Series events:

Friday, Nov. 13:

Walker Cultural Leaders Series commissioned artists — 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Dani Shae Barkley — exploring the economy, globalization, ecological grief and the climate

Kelly Wolf — exploring feminism and the climate

Iain Lidstone — exploring the relationship between land and healing

Excerpts will be followed by a discussion chaired by Michelle Mohammed.

The Chemical Valley Project by Broadleaf Theatre, co-created by Kevin Matthew Wong and Julia Howman — 7 p.m.

Livestreamed performance from Robertson Theatre at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Presented by the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in partnership with Brampton’s Rose Theatre, Kingston’s Grand Theatre and Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Supported by Ontario Presents and Ontario Arts Council.

Saturday, Nov. 14:

The Chemical Valley Project by Broadleaf Theatre — 2 p.m.

A second livestreamed performance of The Chemical Valley Project from Robertson Theatre at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Sunday, Nov. 15:

Land, Water, Activism, Performance: A talkback and discussion panel — 1 p.m. 

A panel discussion moderated by Karen Fricker featuring Kevin Matthew Wong of Broadleaf Theatre; Santee Smith, Artistic Director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre; and DART Professor David Fancy. Topics will include Broadleaf Theatre’s commitment to climate-focused dramaturgy; Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s Indigenous futurist dance production Skén:nen; and the upcoming Theatre Training in the Era of Climate Crisis volume and conference co-edited and organized by Fancy.

Walker Cultural Leaders Series commissioned artists ­— 2 to 3:30 p.m.

James McCoy — exploring fatigue and the climate; the emotional response to climate change

Adrienne Smoke — presenting “Rona” exploring colonialism, COVID-19 and the climate

Excerpts will be followed by a discussion chaired by Michelle Mohammed.

Tickets for The Chemical Valley Project are pay-what-you-can and are available on the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre website. There are no tickets required for The Walker Cultural Leader Series commissioned artists, and Land, Water, Activism, Performance: A talkback and discussion panel. These events will be livestreamed on the PAC and MIWSFPA Facebook pages and the PAC’s YouTube page.

All content will be available for viewing (by ticket holders where applicable) until Sunday, Nov. 29.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

* Gillian Minaker, Marketing and Communications Officer, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts miwsfpa@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 x4765

* Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970 

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