For Body and Light
C-103 (8529 Gateway Blvd.) August 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22
More information: forbodyandlight.org
An interview with Linnea Gwiazda.
Allison Burns in For Body and Light. Photo credit: Svetla Atanasova
Describe your show in five words.
Enchanting, melodic, words and movement.
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
FOR BODY AND LIGHT is a dance, spoken word and music collaboration. It explores the interface between light and darkness, form and imagination. In darkness spoken word and music create and project directly on your imagination. Multiple dancers are lit by a single, sometimes moving light source. Meditative stillness is broken by moving shapes and whispered words, the light catching only the ghost of a body as it flashes past.
For Body and Light was inspired by the movement of the tide in the Bay of Fundy. I think water, like fire, is one of those things that just fascinates humans. Can you tell us a bit more about how you translated the idea of water and the movement of tides into the show For Body and Light?
When standing up to your chest in the ocean, you are always moving, being rocked by the power of the current. In stillness there is always motion, a pulse, a breath, a wave. The choreography stemmed from the experience of being immersed in the coastal elements, observing and feeling the power of the tides and translating it into movement. From beginning to end there is motion, even in stillness, even in darkness.
What types of dance tradition did you draw on in creating For Body and Light?
FOR BODY AND LIGHT is a work of contemporary dance which finds inspiration in the approach of choreographers such as Martha Graham who’s work is greatly tied to the elements and the natural environment.
“The body says what words cannot” – Martha Graham
FOR BODY AND LIGHT was born from a site-specific practice and research process in which much of the piece was conceived outside of a studio context.
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
FOR BODY AND LIGHT brings a unique interdisciplinary collaboration between contemporary dance, spoken word and music. The project has been evolving and changing shape for over a year and a half during which it has traveled from Montreal to Parrsboro NS, New York NY, Ottawa ON and Saskatoon SK. After the Edmonton International Fringe Festival it will travel on to the Fringe Theatre Festivals in Victoria and Vancouver BC.
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
Alberta based poet, Edmonton’s poet laureate 2005-2007 and Founder and President of the Edmonton Poetry Festival Alice Major has presented work by Ian Ferrier, spoken word and music artist in FOR BODY AND LIGHT. FOR BODY AND LIGHT will feature opening acts from various local choreographers, poets and spoken word artists.
FOR BODY AND LIGHT credits:
Director and choreographer: Stéphanie Morin-Robert
Spoken word and music: Ian Ferrier
Performers: Allison Burns & Linnea Gwiazda
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. I’ll be previewing shows up until the Fringe starts. Want your show to appear on After the House Lights? Email jennamarynowski@gmail.com.