a dancer from kanberra
There are two free events happening this weekend in Montreal featuring Native artists as part of les journeés de la culture. The first is titled kanberra, which is happening at MAI (3680 Rue Jeanne Mance) from 3-5pm on Friday September 30th.
The aboriginal word kanberra means encounter place and is borrowed, on this occasion, to make links with the MAI’s own positioning as a site of dialogue and exchange.
Kanberra as proposed and hosted by the MAI, in association with Journées de la culture, begins with a series of excerpts from choreographer Lara Kramer’s new work of good moral character. These excerpts will be followed by a short intimate conversation with Lara on her creative process and on the thematic she is currently exploring such as the intimacy of domestic relationships.
Immediately following this public rehearsal, Lara will be joined by fellow choreographer Emmanuelle Calvé, spoken-word artist Moe Clark, interdisciplinary artist Émilie Monnet, visual artist Nadia Myre and singer-songwriter Kathia Rock to discuss the relationship between their work and their identity as First Nation and Métis artists. Addressed will be the challenges and triumphs these artists have faced and/or are facing, their connection with their communities, and what they see for the future in Aboriginal arts and the arts in general.
To close off the afternoon, Kathia Rock will speak briefly of the mobile audiovisual production studio Wapikoni Mobile, an organization that gives young Aboriginals the opportunity to express themselves. Rock will present an overview of the organization, its mandate and its redefined strategies in light of recent funding cuts.
The second event is a performance by the extremely talented Inuk singer Elisapie Isaac. She is giving a FREE show this Friday, Sept. 30 at 8 pm at Bibliothèque St-Léonard (8420, boulevard Lacordaire, metro Cadillac).
Enjoy!