Kaha:wi Dance Theatre is looking forward to their North American Premiere of Susuriwka - willow bridge: Co-produced with Yokohama Noh Theatre, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre and with Harbourfront Centre’s Planet IndigenUS Festival 2012 from Aug 17– 19, 2012 at the Fleck Dance Theatre.

Susurikwa – willow bridge is the result of research and a collaboration process that began in 2009 and illuminates the interconnectedness of Ainu and Iroquois cultural belief, practice and history. "Susuriwka" meaning "willow bridge" in the Ainu language, symbolizes the interconnecting bridges between man and woman, seen and unseen worlds, countries and indigenous peoples. The Ainu “willow tree” similar to the Iroquoian “Tree of Peace” holds sacred meaning and the bridge represents our inter-dependent and connected web of existence. Reliving our spiritual connections on stage we are reminded to awaken the awareness of spirit in everyday life even in the face of turmoil.

KDT’s critically acclaimed and award-winning Artistic Director/Choreographer, Santee Smith will be accompanied by dancers: Emily Law who has been with KDT for the past six years and who is also a nationally recognized competitive street style dancer; Robert Halley and Ceinwen Gobert; Mami Hata, a native of Japan who is an accomplished dancer in both classical ballet and contemporary dance; Masashi Koyama who is travelling from Tokyo Japan to join the company.

The creative team includes an incredible mix of artists and designers from Canada and Japan: Costume Designers – Mitsushi Yanaihara (Japan) and Elaine Redding; Lighting Designers – Akiyo Kushida (Japan) and Alaina Perttula; Design Assistants – Sayo Ogasawara, Shogo Yoshino (Japan). The Susuriwka – willow bridge score by OKI (Japan) features indigenous singers: Marewren (Japan), from Six Nations George Buck, Faron Johns, Derek Miller; hauntingly exquisite cellist Cris Derksen.

Photo by Yoichi Tsukada

Website:

http://www.kahawidance.org

Address:

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre
406 Jarvis St. Toronto
Ontario, Canada
M4Y 2G6

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