- Created by Ame Henderson in collaboration with the creative team
harbinger is a sounding–a call or a cry–that announces a new form of collectivity, a future assembly of bodies. The project considers foundational dance techniques of lifting, carrying and weight-sharing as manifestations of care and empathy–as forms of feminized labour. In gestures of caressing, holding, cradling and entwining, the performers’ bodies blur together in disarmingly sensuous ways. Conjuring an unapologetic feminine splendour, this startling exploration of intimacy and physical interdependence imagines bold new embodiments that make room for both togetherness and singularity.
Company
With a practice that spans publication, performance and exhibition, Ame Henderson’s work activates dance and choreography to propose experiential modes of being together. Her projects have been developed and performed across Canada and internationally in galleries, theatres, found sites and outdoor public spaces. Her works foreground collaboration and interdisciplinary praxis, created alongside visual artists, designers, musicians and performance makers. Based in Toronto, she collaborates regularly with Christopher House and Toronto Dance Theatre, and with the artist-run company Public Recordings, which she co-founded in 2003. Ame is an Associate Dance Artist of Canada’s National Arts Centre.
Creative team
- Created by Ame Henderson in collaboration with the creative team
- Choreography by Ame Henderson
- Performed by Justine A. Chambers, Angie Cheng, Jasmyn Fyffe, Kate Nankervis, Bee Pallomina & Ravyn Wngz
- Music Victoria Cheong (aka New Chance)
- Costumes Claudia Fancello
- Lighting Kyla Gardiner
- Scenography Natalie Purschwitz
- Artistic Producer Sarah Rogers
- Creative Producer Sascha Cole
- Technical | Production Daniel Bennett, A.J. Morra and Lisa Conway
- Scent design Aleesa Cohene
National Creation Fund investment
The National Creation Fund’s investment of $140,000 made it possible for Ame Henderson to bring together a creative team from across Canada to test and refine the work’s interwoven multi-sensory performance language through extended workshops and technical residencies.
Credits
Co-producers: L’Agora de la danse and the National Arts Centre with support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Toronto Arts Council. Developed in residency at L’Agora de la danse and Harbourfront Centre.
Developed with support from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund.
