When art informs art, it is often a powerful means of exchange. In a dialogue that often crosses the boundaries of media and generations, artists continue to inspire and fuel one another. Never was an example of the power of this exchange more clear than in Santee Smith’s TransMigration by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, co-produced by Harbourfront’s Planet IndigenUs, and inspired by the life and work of celebrated Anishnaabe artist, Norval Morrisseau. With elaborate costuming and a unique vocabulary of indigenous and contemporary dance styles, Smith channels Morrisseau’s creative visual expression into movement in this captivating premiere.
The impetus for TransMigration is not only Norval’s world-renowned artwork, but his life as well. The performance takes us on a mythic narrative journey through various episodes of the great artist’s life, from his time at residential school to his rise to fame in the art world, to his later incarceration. Alongside theatrical storytelling, Smith uses stylized movement, and deeply rooted physicality, to express the more personal aspects of the artist’s life, such as his spirituality, and his struggles with alcohol and depression.
To create this new form of visual storytelling, Smith uses digital projections of Morrisseau’s paintings along with large-scale reproductions on the floor of the stage so the audience can submerge themselves in the artist’s powerful and bold visual language throughout the performance. Smith takes inspiration from a large array of Morrisseau’s work, including his murals Androgyny, Observations of an Astral World, and Man into Thunderbird amongst others.
The character of the artist is played by Raoul Trujillo, who does a stunning job of capturing Morrisseau’s internal and external journey throughout TransMigration. His performance is fully embodied, exuding intense focus throughout. From the young artist, to the shaman to destitution and finally old age, Trujillo captures the complexity of the artist and his struggles.
Slowly passing an outstretched to carve the space around him, and gently arching backwards Trujillo embodies the artist’s connection to the spirit world with authenticity and empathy. Later slumped over a table, crumpled on the floor drowned in his own vices, Trujillo narrates the story of Morrisseau’s life through his body as the other dancers skillfully form the chorus, an ever-shifting physical backrop of his muses, vices, and fears.
At times energetic and playful, athletic and visceral, the dancers’ movements become an extension of the paintings, embodying the visual energy, colour, and composition of the artwork. With riveting costumes by Elaine Redding and Brenda Clarke, amongst others, the dancers bodies’ become a canvas for Morrisseau’s distinct colour pallet and designs.
TransMigration features a series of indigenous music collaborators including Ottawa based, Tribe Called Red, known for their unique mix of powwow vocals, drumming and electronic sound.
Dynamic elements of indigenous dance culture are incorporated as Arik Pipestem, internationally acclaimed hoop dancer, performs this mesmerizing dance. A storytelling dance at heart, hoop dance symbolizes the never-ending life cycle. Spinning the hoops to form birds’ wings and countless shapes, Pipestem is riveting to watch in this visually stunning and dramatic solo performance.
A politically conscious performance, referencing issues of native poverty and homelessness, TransMigration opens with a blessing from poet laureate Duke Redbird as Smith firmly situates the contemporary social and political context of her work.
At times during TransMigration, various technical aspects such as lighting, and transitions interrupt the clarity and impact of Santee Smith’s work, however, her overall vision is bold and ambitious and she is diligent in her work. With stunning visual elements, Smith’s choreography is thoughtful and animated, at times a living, breathing, and moving extension of Morrisseau’s visual language.
TransMigration
Kaha:wi Dance Theatre
May 10-13
Fleck Theatre
Harbourfront Centre
For tickets call 416-973-4000
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