Matriarchs of the Earth & Spirit Whales

29 Jan 2009 - 21:30

Matriarchs of the Earth & Spirit Whales

“Theatre and spectacle have always been our way of lifting the human spirit and creating change in our communities.”

– Sharon Jinkerson

Beautiful masks, contemporary dance, film and new media combine with storytelling to create Matriarchs of the Earth, a visually exciting and emotionally compelling experience that explores the impact of colonization on matriarchal traditions and the transformation back to cultural roots.  We follow the rite of passage and spiritual awakening of Spider Woman, the weaver, as she journeys far from home, ever watched over and loved by Copper Woman her Grandmother, the keeper of women’s rituals, dances and songs. Copper Woman lights the way home with the soft illuminating light of the moon.

“My Grandfather told of a time when his Grandfather witnessed the wolf entering the water and turning into a Killer Whale..this is why we call Orcas the Wolves of the Sea.” -Victor Reece

Spirit Whales draws from the legends and imagery of Killer Whales and Wolves to re-tell the story of how the Tsimshian people were given the Orca Whale as a crest symbol. Speaking of the loss of our warrior traditions, connections to nature and pathways to the ancient ones, Big Sky has reworked the narrative to create a contemporary story that shows all is not lost. Witness as a young warrior finds at the bottom of his emptiness, a whale waiting to bring him home.  There is a way through the human heart to transcend the darkness and find the light.

At the heart of Big Sky are two dynamic energies: Tsimshian artist and storyteller Victor Reece and Anishanabea multi-media artist Sharon Jinkerson-Brass who create innovative performances based in their cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. Recognizing the arts as a vital force in our communities, Big Sky believes dynamic storytelling has the power to heal the human spirit and condition. They are committed to passing teachings and empowering the next generation to express their spirits in a creative way. Big Sky embraces the use of traditional and contemporary mediums and are renowned for combining beautiful masks, contemporary dance, film and new media to produce dynamic works of art that speak to our experiences today while remaining connected to the ways of our ancestors.

Artist: Big Sky Multimedia Storytelling Society
Series: Mainstage
Venue: Vertigo Studio
Duration: 90 minutes
Recommended Age: All ages
Price: Pay What You Can

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