UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Flavours of ancient Greece to tantalize audiences of Exia

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:40:28 +0000

Sink your teeth into one of the juiciest dramas of the Drama Main Stage season. Spicy, sensual and tantalizing, Exia, written by Governor General Literary Award nominee and Theatre and Dramatic Arts faculty, Meg Braem, promises to satisfy all audience appetites.

Exia, by Meg Braem, plays at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, Nov. 19-23.

Playing Nov. 19-23 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre at 8 p.m. nightly, this premier production transports patrons to a sumptuous scene in Ancient Greece. Chrysothemis and Elektra have returned home to discover their father, King Agamemnon, murdered by their anorexic and withdrawn mother. Through the power and fragrance of her gastronomical talents, Chrysothemis attempts to bring her family back together.

“Exia is about murder and revenge, but it’s also about young love. And although it’s based in the tradition of Ancient Greece, is very contemporary – very sensual and touching,” says Gail Hanrahan, director.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama for her play, Blood: A Scientific Romance, playwright Meg Braem gives credit to the students in her Canadian Plays and Development class two years ago for helping develop Exia.

“This play is truly built out of the university, and incorporates the voices of our students,” she says. “It is about youthful characters and incorporates the themes and beauty of young love. It was through the work done in class with our students that we captured that spirit in the script.”

Exia, derived from the word orexis, or appetite, promises to satiate audiences with a feast promising to enthrall, excite and thrill.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (Monday to Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., 403-329-2616). Tickets are priced at $18 regular, $15 senior, $12 students and are also available for purchase online: uleth.ca/tickets.

Humour is no accident with this group

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:21:08 +0000

Faculty of Fine Arts graduates are putting their education to work and bringing to campus a night of hilarious, mind-bending entertainment with an edgy and creative production of Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin by Amos Altman, presented by the Accidental Humour Co.

At the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre from Sept. 12-14 at 8 p.m. nightly, poor Jim McCrackin’s tale of mistaken identity and mess of personal attachments sends him into a whirlwind of problems.

The Accidental Humour Co. hits campus Sept. 12-14 with Happy Whackin’ Jim McCracken.

Accidental Humour Co. is a collective of artists, actors, writers, designers and dreamers. Together, they create hilarious, exciting and innovative theatre productions, which blend live-action antics with high-octane video projection. This year’s production is touring Calgary, Stettler, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

The core members of Accidental Humour Co., all of whom have earned a BFA Dramatic Arts at the U of L, are: Kimberlee Stadelmann (’06), William Banfield (’06), Cliff Kelly (’07), Brent Felzien (’06), and Neil LeGrandeur (’06). Fellow Alumnus Amos Altman (BA ’04, BFA ’05) wrote the play.

The company prides itself on creating completely original productions that blend live theatre and films together, which often parody different film genres.

“This year, we decided to remount our second production, Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin, for two major reasons,” says Stadelmann, stage manager and costume designer. “First, it is our only production that only toured two cities during its first run, and secondly, the company is already hard at work on a sequel for Jim McCrackin’ for 2014.”

Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin played to sold-out houses at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and received a five-star rating in a review by Jen Hoyer of See Magazine.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, and are priced at $15 regular admission, $12 students. Tickets are also available online: uleth.ca/tickets.

Fine Arts tickets a holiday draw

trevor.kenney — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:10:52 +0000

Gift-wrap the performing arts and put them under the tree for someone you love this holiday season! Tickets to Fine Arts events make a fantastic holiday gift for the theatre or concertgoer on your list.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office closes for Christmas on Dec. 14 and reopens on Jan. 7. Tickets are also available online at uleth.ca/tickets.

Here's a look at some of the upcoming performances.

TheatreXtra (Tickets: $11 regular, $7 student/senior)
The Love List by Norm Foster
January 24-26, 2013 (8 p.m. nightly, 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 26, David Spinks Theatre)

What would happen if you got the chance to order your dream date?

In this hilarious comedy we are introduced to the characters of Bill and Leon who compile the love list – the top 10 qualities they want in a woman. However chaos ensues as this "perfect woman" comes knocking on the door and the gentlemen learn to be careful what you wish for.

Drama Mainstage (Tickets: $15 adults, $10 student/senior)
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (Adapted by David S. Craig)
Feb. 12-16, 2013 (7 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre)

A boy must save the world of Fantastica using the power of his imagination. This play is for anyone who has ever read a book that was so good they did not want it to end.

Estuary by Ron Chambers
Mar. 19-23, 2013 (8 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre)

As a young man's dreams begin to infiltrate his waking life, he's forced to determine what's real and what isn't. This comedy asks whether, in snubbing our dream life, we are ignoring a significant and real aspect of our humanity.

Faculty Artist and Friends Series (Tickets: $20 adults, $15 student/senior)
Celebrate Poulenc
Jan. 25, 2013 (8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall)

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the death of Francis Poulenc, a leading figure in the Parisian musical life of the early 20th century.

Quasar Saxophone Quartet
March 9, 2013 (8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall)

The confluence of acoustic and electronic music, Montreal's Quasar explores aspects of artistic creation from instrumental to live electronics, from improvisation to instrumental theatre.

For a complete listing of events, pick up a copy of the Faculty of Fine Arts' Season at a Glance, or go to www.uleth.ca/finearts for more information on all these fantastic shows, gallery exhibits and concerts.

An opportunity to contribute to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ vision

trevor.kenney — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:34:04 +0000

Fall is always such an invigorating time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and I'm excited to welcome everybody to campus to begin another academic year. Whether you are a new student, staff or faculty member, or are returning from a summer break, it's great to have the campus bustling with energy again.

As you make your way around the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, you'll no doubt notice many of the physical changes that have taken place over the summer as well as some of the ongoing projects that continue to reshape and redefine our culture.

Now in our 45th year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has grown and matured dramatically since its inception, and with a rapidly changing post-secondary landscape, must continue to evolve to meet the needs of our students and society as a whole.

President Mahon encourages everyone to take some time think about how they can contribute to the vision of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

In the spring, I released an Open Letter to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community that began the discussion about the future direction of the U of L. It was a means to introduce some initial thoughts on our strategic goals and priorities and to bring forth questions related to our future direction. Now, it is time to hear from you.

What do you think about the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge? What does it mean to you that we are Alberta's Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and how does that shape the work you do for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ today and in the future? What is your vision in terms of continuing to grow as a comprehensive university and how do you see the future structure of our university reflecting our academic and research aspirations?

I encourage you to take another look at the Open Letter (www.uleth.ca/president/presentations-communication) and to think of the themes introduced. There will be various opportunities for your feedback and your ideas will help shape the future direction of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

The first such opportunity is the Sept. 27 Fiat Lux Address (3 to 4 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre), which will be given by Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Andrew Hakin. The theme of his presentation is liberal education, how we now define it at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and what it means to us going forward.

This is an excellent opportunity to not only hear Dr. Hakin's interpretation, but it is a forum at which you can bring your ideas to the fore in an open discussion.

On Oct. 1 (8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Students' Union Ballrooms), a Strategic Priorities Forum will present another opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community to engage in the decision-making process. Born out of the President's Task Force on Budget Process, this forum is designed to create greater transparency around priority setting from senior leaders across the institution.

Look for further communication in the UWeekly newsletter, on campus web pages and on digital signage for times and locations of upcoming forums as these are a valuable opportunity to give a voice to your ideas – the people who make the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge such a wonderful and unique community.

This story first appeared in the September 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

The Madonna Painter a challenge for small cast

trevor.kenney — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:58:50 +0000

Religion, sexuality, death and secrets all collide in the small parish of Lac St-Jean, Quebec when The Madonna Painter or the Birth of a Painting by Governor General Award winning playwright Michel Marc Bouchard unravels its tantalizing tale. Playing Mar. 20-24 at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, The Madonna Painter beautifully caps off a captivating Mainstage season.

"It is a collision of ecstasies, a bouquet of lies disguised as a fable," wrote Bouchard. "The Madonna Painter or The Birth of a Painting is writ in scarlet pigments, in holy wine and haemoglobin, all the shades of red that flow though us, from our sex to our souls."

Conveying the poetic essence of the script and capturing its poignant imagery is the challenge confronting MFA candidate and director, Sean Guist.

The Madonna Painter plays nightly at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

"The play takes place in 1918 in rural Quebec, and I did a lot of historical research, which included a trip to Quebec, to understand the period and its religious influences," Guist says. "The play is loosely based on events that happened in Bouchard's home town when he was young, and he wrote the play many years later while living in Florence, Italy. When he returned to Canada, after the play received critical acclaim abroad, he rewrote and translated the play a couple of times. The translation by Linda Gaboriau is the version we are using."

The story begins as World War I is ending and the Spanish flu is taking hold. A young priest, having recently arrived in the small parish, commissions a wandering Italian painter to create a fresco dedicated to the Virgin Mary to ward off the oncoming plague. As he chooses his model between four local virgins – all named Mary – the Madonna painter changes the fate of the entire community.

"Our cast is small, only seven characters," Guist explains. "Every character in the play has their own journey and their own beauty to discover. In turn, each actor has to go on that journey too; to discover their own beauty."

"The audience will experience great contemporary Canadian theatre that comes to life on a stunning set designed by faculty member and alumnus Roger Schultz (BFA '89), with costumes designed by Leslie Robison-Greene. Bouchard said he wanted the audience to leave with one element from the play: an image, a character, a line or a moment. I know this play both provokes and entertains – it's very beautiful, like a great work of art," says Guist.

Tickets for The Madonna Painter are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular, $10 for seniors and students.

This story first appeared in the March 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Musical week offered by Fine Arts

trevor.kenney — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:29:18 +0000

The Faculty of Fine Arts is ramping up its schedule as Christmas approaches, offering a number of musical evenings to help get everyone in the mood for the festive season.

There are two musical offerings this week, beginning with Wednesday's Braggin in Brass concert in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre. Next week, two more events are on the go.

Braggin' in Brass, 8 p.m., Nov. 23, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Enjoy the bright, bold sounds of big brass. From older classics such as Duke Ellington's Braggin' in Brass and Benny Carter's Again & Again, to modern pieces by Bob Brookmeyer, this U of L Jazz Ensemble concert features an eclectic mix of music. "We are also performing original music written by our guest artist Dean McNeill, from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan," says Dr. David Renter, director. "Dean is a great trumpet player and composer and we are excited to have him join us on this concert."

Classical Percussion Concert, 8 p.m., Nov. 25, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Foot-stomping fun for the whole family. The U of L Percussion Ensemble showcases an exciting evening of entertainment with a stunning array of percussive pieces. From an energetic Phillip Glass arrangement for marimba, to an emotional collaboration with the U of L Singers in Eric Whitacre's Lux Aurumque, this program has something for everyone.

Fiat Lux an opportunity to speak to the community

trevor.kenney — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:13:30 +0000

It is hard to believe that summer has come to an end and we're back for the Fall 2011 Semester.

Welcome to all new and returning students, as well as staff and faculty. As much as the summer break seemed especially short this year, probably due to the fact we're just now enjoying summer-type weather, I am very excited to be starting a new semester.

There is a special kind of energy that's associated with the start of a new academic year, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

One of the goals I had when I started my Open Mike column last year was to keep the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community informed about what was happening within the Office of the President. I have always seen transparency as an absolute necessity in a university setting, and have strived to be open and clear about the major issues that affect our university.

The inaugural Fiat Lux Address is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

As we begin a new series of columns, I want to take that transparency to another level and further involve our university community in shaping the
U of L's future.

On Sept. 28, at 3 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, I will be giving the inaugural Fiat Lux presidential address to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. I see this as a forum to talk to you about where we've been as an institution, where we are today and where I see us going and needing to go in the future.

It is important that you know about decisions that are made at the executive level and what challenges the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faces as it moves forward. The Fiat Lux talk will speak to where the U of L is in terms of student numbers, our budget and the challenges we see before us. There are external pressures that will affect our future, including issues such as government funding, the competitive educational landscape, the economy and even short and long-term demographic forecasts.

We have established strategic priorities and directives over the past few years and this address is a chance to examine what we've done to move these initiatives along. More importantly, I will speak to where I feel we need to be focused going forward and what we, as an emerging comprehensive institution, should aspire to achieve.

I intend to discuss such specific initiatives as an FNMI and community engagement strategy as well as philosophical questions such as current institutional structure and our aspirations as a Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

I expect the Fiat Lux address to serve as an important communication tool for the internal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community, and I see it as the start of a larger scale effort to further connect with our community on a more regular basis.

There are exciting things unfolding at the U of L this year and I urge everyone to come out on Sept. 28 so that we can discuss what I see as a time of unprecedented opportunity for our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Events - March/April

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:41:16 +0000

Lectures

Mar. 15 | Brain Awareness Week
Dr. Bruce McNaughton presents, How Memory Works and Why it Sometimes Doesn't
7 p.m., Yates Memorial Centre

Mar. 16 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation
How to deal with annoying people (& make sure you're not one)
Noon, TH143

Mar. 16 | Art Now: DodoLab
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 16 | Department of Philosophy Speakers' Series | Kent Peacock presents, Energy Entanglement and Causality in Quantum Mechanics
4 p.m., B650

Mar. 16 | Climate Change National Speaker Series | Thomas F. Pedersen presents, Climate Change and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions: Blending Science, Social Science, Politics and Opportunity
7 p.m., PE261

Mar. 18 | Art Now: Chris Cran
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 21 | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Scholars Talk
Judith Kulig presents, Rural Health: Expanding our Horizons through a Community-Based Research Program
1 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

Mar. 21 | Architecture & Design Now: Peter Fleming | 6 p.m., C610

Mar. 23 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation
Mindfulness, strategies to help with stress, anxiety, trauma and focus
Noon, TH143

Mar. 23 | WestGrid Seminar Series
Raymond Spiteri discusses stiffness analysis of cardiac cell models
1 p.m., CRDC, L1126

Mar. 24 | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Scholars Talk
Dr. Heidi MacDonald presents, Coming of Age During the Great Depression in Canada
1 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

Mar. 25 | Art Now: Jessica Bradley
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 28 | Art Now: Jim Ellis
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 28 | Architecture & Design Now: Jim Ellis | 6 p.m., C610

Mar. 30 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation
Stressed?! Strategies to handle stress | Noon, TH241

Mar. 31 | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Scholars Talk
Marc Roussel presents, Randomness in Biochemical Reactions
1 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

Apr. 4 | Art Now: Ken Allan
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Apr. 6 | WestGrid Seminar Series
Masao Fujinaga discusses using MATLAB on WestGrid equipment
1 p.m., CRDC, L1126

Apr. 7 | Pizza, Pop and Presentation
Study Skills | 1:15 p.m., L1170A

Miscellaneous

Mar. 11 to Apr. 15 | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Art Gallery Exhibition | Annual Curated Student Exhibit | Main Gallery

Mar. 16 | Farewell Reception: Bill Hudgins | Retirement reception for longtime staffer Bill Hudgins
2:30 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

Mar. 16 | Documentary Film screening
The Union: The Business Behind Getting High | 7 p.m., the Zoo

Mar. 18 | Public Health Ethics Videoconference | Moral Residue, Moral Distress, and the Hope of Moral Dialogue: Navigating Competing Demands in Public Health Practice
Noon, B716

Mar. 19 | CCBN Open House
Tour the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mar. 22 | Sun Life Financial Leadership Program | Employer information session
5:30 p.m., Andy's Place (AH100)

Mar. 25, Apr. 4, Apr. 11 | Volunteer Tax Program | Students get their taxes filed for free
9 a.m., Markin Hall, M2044

Performances

Mar. 17 | Faculty Artists & Friends Series | La Virtuosissima Cantatrice: Sings by Italian Baroque Women
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 22 | Music at Noon: Dr. Thomas Staples (horn), Glen Montgomery
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 22-26 | Richard III by William Shakespeare | The eternal classic fraught with treachery, seduction and murder as Richard III attempts to claim the throne of England
8 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Mar. 26 | Rhythm-a-ning: Adventures in Rhythm | U of L Jazz Ensemble performs selections from jazz performers/composers including Thelonius Monk, Stan Kenton and Count Basie
8 p.m., Southminster United Church

Mar. 28 | Shadowcatcher
Lethbridge Symphony with the U of L Faculty Brass Quintet: Trudi Mason (trumpet); Keith Griffioen (trumpet); Dr. Thomas Staples (horn); Gerald Rogers (trombone); Nick Sullivan (bass trombone) | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church

Mar. 29 | Music at Noon: Sandra Stringer (mezzo-soprano) & Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

Mar. 31 | Plays and Prose Competition Winners – Evening Celebration
U of L students read their winning entries from the Striking Prose and PlayRight Prize competitions
7 p.m., David Spinks Theatre

Apr. 1-2 | Global Drums
Enjoy Steel Drums, African Drums, Taiko Ensemble, Brazilian and Samba Ensemble
8 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Apr. 5 | Joining Forces: Vox Musica and LCI Singers | The groups perform individually, then join forces for John Rutter's Mass for the Children | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church

Apr. 8 | U of L Wind Orchestra
Wind Up
8 p.m. Southminster United Church

Apr. 9 | Western Wind
U of L Singers and Women's Chorus capture the spirit of Renaissance choral masters Jon Taverner and Christopher Tye in a program of wind-inspired music | 8 p.m., Southminster United Church

Apr. 12 | Music at Noon: Studio Showcase | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall (W570)

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Taking a little off the top

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:18:21 +0000

The annual Headshave for Cancer event takes place Wednesday, Mar. 30 in the UHall Atrium. Kelly Roberts, sound technician for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, is shaving his head in support of the Canadian Cancer Society in conjunction with HeadShave Canada and the
U of L's Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Omicron-Xi Chapter.

Here, Roberts is getting a little help from David Green, a cancer survivor and the Faculty of Fine Arts shop head carpenter. While Roberts might have the most to lose, he's just one of a number of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ staff, students and faculty lopping it all off for the cause.

Pick up a pledge form from any of the participants to donate. Kevin McFadzen and Jeff Hilliard (Sport and Recreation Services) will join Roberts on Mar. 30, while Wayne Lippa (chemistry and biochemistry), Ardis Anderson (philosophy), Greg Patenaude (chemistry and biochemistry) and Peter Dibble (chemistry and biochemistry) all supported the Flying Doctors of Canada by having their locks lopped off on Mar. 11.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Resilience celebrates a culture's identity

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:47:40 +0000

Myths and stereotypes have a way of seeping into our perceptions of Aboriginal Peoples, their culture and their background. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Native Awareness Week, Feb. 28 to Mar. 4, looks to break those beliefs and present a well-rounded view of aboriginal culture and society.

For Linda Many Guns, a professor in the department of Native American Studies, the best way to present a true glimpse of Aboriginal society is to celebrate the strength and spirit of its people. Her fashion show, The Resilience of Blackfoot Identity in Clothing, looks to do just that.

This magnificent Bodmer-period style dress is more than 200 years old. It is just one of the pieces to be displayed at the Resilience of Blackfoot Identity in Clothing fashion show, to be held Mar. 1.

"I personally like to blow up myths about Aboriginal people," says Many Guns. "One of the opportunities we have during Native Awareness Week is the chance to demonstrate outside of classroom discussions, what it is to be Aboriginal. It's not just about reserves and issues it's about people, a way of life and a quality of life. The issues are always centred on poverty and that impoverished image. This week we have the opportunity, through this fashion show, to demonstrate a way of life that has quality, colour, skill and integrity."

The resilience of the Blackfoot women's pride in their identity is captured in the clothing they created and is the central theme of the show, featuring dresses created from three distinct eras of Aboriginal history. The pre-contact era is from the early 1800s, followed by the post-reservation era, from 1870 through the early 1900s, to today's modern era. Contemporary designers Carol Mason, Beverly Hungry Wolf and Gerri Many Fingers will all participate in the show, but it's the appearance of Pauline Dempsey's collection that sets this gathering apart.

"I've seen the pieces she has in her closet but I've never actually seen them out on display, and they really are to die for," says Many Guns. "What we'll be seeing will be spectacular. It's an amazing collection of pieces and the fact that they are not going to be shown again makes this quite an honour that their final appearance will be here."

Dempsey is the daughter of Canadian Senator James Gladstone and the wife of noted author Hugh Dempsey. Her collection has been shown all over the world and her husband Hugh is recognized for his scholarly contributions at the Glenbow Museum.

Many Guns says the event will highlight a people that, despite facing hardship, maintained an active and vibrant culture. It's that spirit of resilience that keeps their culture alive today.

"During the post-reservation period of time, the Aboriginal people were sequestered on reserves and not allowed off," says Many Guns. "So they were taking this incredible dressmaking skill and using anything they could get their hands on, and turning out these absolutely beautiful works of art."

Using scraps of recycled fabric, tin cans, beads extracted from lamps and so on, they found a way to express their identity. It's that identity that is constantly under attack today, and one of the reasons Many Guns introduced the fashion show as a teaching tool to her Native American Health class.

"Identity is a core element in Aboriginal cultural revival," says Many Guns. "When that identity is missing, it's often an underlying factor that contributes to some of the problems that are so prevalent in our communities. These are identity issues and this exercise shows pride in that identity."

Her students will run the show itself. They have been entrusted to research the history of the dresses on display, will co-ordinate the models and announce and describe the collections as they are being presented.

"I really wanted to be involved to learn more about Native American culture," says Kaley Woodman, one of the student researchers who will also be an announcer at the show. "This is a new and innovative way to express one
aspect of what defines their culture."

Student Michelle Leafloor adds that by steering away from issues, and instead presenting Aboriginal culture through its people, bridges of understanding can be constructed.

"This fashion show is a display of the uniqueness, beauty, art and design of Native American people, and it's something to be very proud of," she says. "Maybe an event like this can create a deeper understanding for the campus as a whole and a greater sense of belonging for the Native Americans who may be struggling to find their place in today's society."

For a full list of Native Awareness Week events, follow this link.

GET THE FACTS

• The Resilience fashion show is on Tuesday, Mar. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the UHall Atrium.

• Noted Canadian historian/author Hugh Dempsey will lead the student discussions throughout the show.

• Contemporary designer, Gerri Many Fingers, teaches on the Blood Reserve. She'll be bringing a Grade 12 class of students to campus to experience Native Awareness Week. "It's a great opportunity for them to come into the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ environment, see other Aboriginal people studying here and that it is a welcoming place for them," says Many Guns.

• Visiting students and designers will be taking a tour of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, as well as its wardrobe and costume-making department.

• The U of L Women's Centre is also providing volunteers for the show and Morrison Hershfield Engineering Ltd., along with their Aboriginal company, Sikon, is the presenting sponsor.

• An Indian Taco feast with mint tea and berries will follow the show.

For a look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

An opportunity to contribute to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ vision