A three-part performance art series by Indigenous women exploring artistic expression through contemporary Indigenous dance and storytelling

March 30, 2023 – OTTAWA (Canada) – Alongside NAC Indigenous Theatre, NAC Dance is delighted to present Matriarchs Uprising, an annual performance art series that weaves stories of transformation through Indigenous women's artistry, creating spaces for the past, present, and future in artistic performances.

Curated by Olivia C. Davies, Matriarchs Uprising is a unique festival of exchange and sharing through dance and performances, workshops and conversation. Three mixed programs will be presented April 13-15.

Program A offers two beautiful solos: Sophie Dow in A Hidden Autobiography and Jeannette Kotowich in Kisiskâciwan. A Hidden Autobiography examines how imagination can amplify presence and sensation and expand physical capacity. Kisiskâciwan is a creative return to the fast-flowing landscape of Saskatchewan, the robust and undulating land of Jeanette Kotowich’s ancestors. This new solo is a journey to oneself and references protocol, ritual and our relationship to the natural and Spirit worlds.

Program B presents the work of Samantha Sutherland entitled ȼ̓inaⱡ upxamik and Aria Evans’s Midline. In ȼ̓inaⱡ upxamik, Samantha Sutherland delves into the feelings and emotions that arose as she questions why Indigenous culture is important in her life. It contrasts the fear of embarking on a vulnerable journey and excitement for the lessons that come forth. Midline is a choreographic study created and performed by Aria Evans. It seeks to understand the science behind scar tissue and investigates the scars we choose, the scars that are accidents and the scars that save our lives. Through text and movement, Aria tackles these questions that highlight the endurance of the human body.

Program C features the work of The Cris Derksen Quartet with special guests.  A household name to many Contemporary Indigenous choreographers, Derksen’s Orchestral Pow Wow album can often be heard in rehearsal studios across Turtle Island, inspiring movement explorations that dive deep into the depths of the heart and pull forward blood memories living beneath the surface.

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION

For more information and showtimes, please visit: https://nac-cna.ca/en/series/matriarchs-uprising

To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster online or call 1-888-991-2787 (ARTS).
As we have in past seasons, Indigenous Theatre will continue to offer community engaged activity, learning opportunities and corollary programming in and around the work presented on stage. We are honoured to be able to continue to offer $15 All My Relations tickets to the Indigenous community in the upcoming season. It extends to most of the programming from all disciplines at the NAC.

THANK YOU TO OUR NAC DANCE SPONSORS
 
NAC Dance and the NAC Foundation would like to thank the donors and partners who have made the season possible. Thank you to our Hotel Partner, the Lord Elgin Hotel. The role of Executive Producer, NAC Dance is generously supported by an anonymous donor.

THANK YOU TO OUR INDIGENOUS THEATRE PARTNERS

Indigenous Theatre and Programming at Canada’s National Arts Centre is made possible through the generous support of individuals and corporations from across the country. The National Arts Centre Foundation wishes to acknowledge the leadership support of Mohammed A. Faris, Kenneth and Margaret Torrance Endowment for Indigenous Theatre and an Anonymous Donor. Thank you to Indigenous Theatre Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group, Official Hotel Partner Embassy Hotel & Suites, and Official Rail Partner VIA Rail. Thank you also to TD Bank Group and the Slaight Family Foundation, Major Sponsors of Indigenous Programming at the National Arts Centre, and Presenting Partner of #ReconcileThis Meta. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts for their longstanding support of the NAC and the arts in Canada. 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE 
 
The National Arts Centre is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre in collaboration with Black Theatre Workshop, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety — and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Ian Hobson
Communications Strategist, Indigenous Theatre
National Arts Centre
+1 343-588-0742
Ian.Hobson@NAC-CNA.ca