Matriarchs Uprising
Photo Credit: Christine Friday
O.Dela Arts , in partnership with The Dance Centre is thrilled to present the seventh edition of Matriarchs Uprising, a celebration of contemporary dance by Indigenous women artists, offering 4 unique programs of live performance Feb. 19-22, along with artist-lead conversations, masterclasses, community workshops and the Indigi-Dance on-demand film series all week-long.
Curated by Olivia C. Davies, the 2025 line-up features dance works by Vancouver’s own Raven Spirit Dance who will be premiering their newest creation, Tracing Bones . Lara Kramer returns to Vancouver with Gorgeous Tongue. Christine Friday brings the Western Canada premiere of Bawaajgun: Visions IN Dreams, created in collaboration with champion Hoop dancer, Beany John. O.Dela Arts artistic associates share a program of new works including naⱡa by Samantha Sutherland and all road lead home 3.0 by Sophie Dow. For the festival closing event, audiences will experience the world premiere of TOA III by Maöri choreographer, Bella Waru, followed by festival closing reception featuring live music by Tsimka Martin and Michael Red.
Curator’s Address:
At the heart of this year's theme, 'Celebrating Our Strength', are the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather teachings witnessed through the strength of our women; those who live love; who have courage; who are humble; who show respect; who are truthful; who are honest; and who are wise. When we take the chance to offer our inner strength out into the world, and take action to make the world a better place, we take our place as leaders, as matriarchs. Mnaajaadaanig eniigaaniijig kwewag . Let’s celebrate the women leaders; those who uplift one another and inhabit the strength of our resilience.
(Olivia C. Davies)
Featuring:
Thursday, 20 Feb - 7pm
Honesty & Humility - Sophie Dow & Samantha Sutherland
In all roads lead home 3.0 , Sophie Dow performs nine days away from her thirtieth solar return, and invites the audience to travel with her through nearly 3 decades of triumphs, tribulations and magic.
Samantha Sutherland's ensemble work naⱡa follows four characters representing four branches of one soul, unraveling the intricacies and multiplicities of identity within each one of us. naⱡa is a grammar device used In the Ktunaxa Language, naⱡa is added to a word to imply plural, we, or many.
Saturday, February 22 - 8pm
Courage - Bella Waru
Led by Bella Waru , three Māori artists and practitioners of Mau Rākau, Māori Martial Arts, come together in TOA III. Drawing from embodied knowledges, they fight; to carry legacy, dance with fear, travel beyond pain, and carve out an ancient-future from their physical vessels, with the blueprints of ancestors. * Matriarchs Uprising proudly presents the world premiere of TOA III, supported by Artshouse CultureLab Commissions (VIC, AUS).
Scotiabank Dance Centre
677 Davie Street, Vancouver
