NEOINDIGENA

“The studio looked eerily like an animal graveyard. Deer, elk and moose antlers were strewn across the floor. A large wooden archway of interwoven branches loomed skeletally in a corner, one of a number of what Smith describes as portals to the Skyworld, Earthworld and Underworld her character will encounter in a journey of personal transformation.” - Michael Crabb, The Star

A solo call for connection, transformation and healing NeoIndigenA is a performance of the soul exploring our relationship to all living entities and elements. It is transcendent and primordial fiercely cycling through sacred portals between Skyworld, Earthworld and Underworld. Santee Smith’s solo journey encompasses past, present, future in one body and space, awakening ancient ways of knowing and spiritual renewal. NeoIndigenA searches for sacred pathways of human connection to self and universe. To prepare for NeoIndigenA, Artistic Director Santee Smith received solo mentorship with Margie Gillis, Charles Koroneho, Zab Maboungou and Alejandro Ronceria. The premiere occurred at the Enwave Theatre, Harbourfront Centre as a part of the NextSteps dance series 2013/14.

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Nominated for:

Created and produced by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre Artistic

Director/Choreographer/Concept/Performance: Santee Smith

Lighting Design: Arun Srinivasan

Costume Design: Elaine Redding, Santee Smith

Composition/Score Arrangement/Viola: Jesse Zubob

Composition: Cris Derksen, Adrian Harjo, Michael Red Vocals: Tanya Tagaq, Nelson Tagoona

Set Construction: Tim Hill

 
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Production Sponsors

Canada Council for the Arts; Ontario Arts Council; Toronto Arts Council; Department of Canadian Heritage and Miziwe Biik Employment and Training. Thanks also to NeoIndigenA’s production sponsors: Harboufront Centre; K.M. Hunter Foundation; Jerry Montour & Family and anonymous donors.

 
NeoIndigenA KDT’s primordial and transcendent production NeoIndigenA is an elemental and ritual journey that fiercely cycles through sacred portals between Skyworld, Earthworld and Underworld. Whispering over antlers, Santee Smith' solo performance explores our relationship to ancestors and the living universe. A radiant beast, she is the embodiment of duality, hunter and hunted, ancient and new. The Dora Mavor Moore award nominated production is a momentous physical, emotional, mental challenge and spiritual journey wherein Santee asks the questions: where is land in my body; what language do my bones speak; what is flesh and blood, breath connection to earth and to soulful sky? NeoIndigenA Produced by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre Created by Santee Smith Presented as part of the NextSteps Series 2013/14 Artistic Director/Choreographer/Production Design/Performance Santee Smith Lighting Designer Arun Srinivasan Costume Design Elaine Redding Santee Smith Dramaturgy Alejandro Ronceria Solo Mentor Margie Gillis Rehearsal Director Louis Laberge-Côté Musical Production Creative Producer: Santee Smith Composition/Score Arrangement/Viola: Jesse Zubot Composition: Cris Derksen Composition: Adrian Harjo Composition/Singer: Tanya Tagaq Programming/Composition: Michael Red Percussion: Joy Mullen Additional Vocals: Nelson Tagoona Additional Vocals: Nikki Shawana Additional Mixing: Donald Quan Studio Engineer/Mastering: Sheldon Zaharko @ Zed Productions/Jesse Zubot Set Construction Tim Hill Production Stage Manager Kalina Janik Assistant Stage Manager Lindy Kinoshameg Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (KDT) is one of Canada’s leading contemporary dance companies. Exploring the intersection of Indigenous and new dance performance it is internationally renowned for artistry, creative excellence and collaboration. KDT’s embodiment of spirituality within traditional culture and innovative storytelling is conveyed through cinematic imagery and virtuosic performance that electrifies audiences on the world stage. Founded by Onkwehon:we Artistic Director/Choreographer Santee Smith (Tekaronhiáhkhwa) from the Kahnyen’kehàka – Mohawk Nation. Innovative, transformative and culturally power-packed performances distinguish Santee as one of Canada’s most exciting choreographers. Kaha:wi (Ga-HA-Wee) means “to carry” in the Mohawk language and is a traditional name for Smith’s family. KDT carries culture through dance, theatre, music and design. FOR BOOKING: Tour Manager, Donna Liu: donna@kahawidance.org MEDIA CONTACT: KDT Marketing Coordinator, David Johnston-Weiser david@kahawidance.org For advance notice of events, LIKE US on FACEBOOK For behind-the-scenes updates FOLLOW US on TWITTER For special offers and in-depth news SIGN UP for our E-NEWS TODAY www.kahawidance.org