≈ 65 minutes · No intermission
Last updated: January 17, 2023
Sky Dancers explores the impacts of the Quebec Bridge disaster of 1907. The bridge that was to span 1,000 metres on the St. Lawrence River collapsed while under construction, killing 75 men including 33 Mohawk ironworkers from the community of Kahnawake. It’s a personal story for choreographer Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo whose great-grandfather lost his life that day, and a universal story that touches on family, community, resilience and building bridges between people and generations.
Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo is Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) of mixed heritage originally from Kahnawake, now living in Montreal. Barbara is currently the artistic director and choreographer of A’nó:wara Dance Theatre. An award-winning choreographer and dancer for over 25 years, she specializes in creating works that highlight Indigenous themes/stories/perspectives by often combining powwow, Haudenosaunee dance, and mainstream contemporary styles to create a fusion of dance that speaks to many different populations and tastes. She takes great pride in regularly sharing her culture and has performed across Canada and internationally. Barbara also works with various organizations to educate, help create safe spaces, and support Indigenous artists across the globe. Her goals are to inspire others, encourage cultural pride, uplift the spirit, and increase education and communication.
The production, supported by the NAC’s National Creation Fund, premièred in Montreal, and was presented in Halifax in 2021. It went on to win a prestigious Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Touring Production of the Year in 2022 in conjunction with its presenter in Toronto, the Harbourfront Centre.
Artistic Director and Choreographer of A’nó:wara Dance Theatre, Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, is a multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer who was notably named performer of the year of the Grand Prix de la danse de Montréal in 2021.
Using both contemporary and traditional practices, Diabo brings the past to the present in a way that will enthrall and resonate with audiences while deepening understanding of Indigenous people’s history.
Choreography and Direction
Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo
Music Direction
Michael Tekaronianeken Diabo
Set and Video Design
Andy Moro
Lighting Direction
Aurora Torok
Costume Design
Jeff Chief
Video Direction
Samuel Boucher
Co-Producer
Gregg Parks
Production Coordination
Claire Bourdin
Featuring
Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo
Keenan Simik Komaksiutiksak
Victoria May
Katie Samara Closs Couchie
Falciony Patino Cruz
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Emmanuelle Martin
Oliver Koomsatira
Artistic Director
Kevin Loring
Managing Director
Lori Marchand
Producer
Samantha MacDonald
Associate Producer
Sage Nokomis Wright
Indigenous Cultural Resident
Mairi Brascoupé
Education Coordinator
Kerry Corbiere
Technical Director
Spike Lyne
Assistant Technical Director
Taylor Blanchette
Communications Strategist
Ian Hobson
Marketing Strategist
Jenna Spagnoli
Senior Marketing Manager
Bridget Mooney
Associate Producer #ReconcileThis
Paula Chinkiwsky
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees