TORONTO — The Chimera Project, a dance theatre based out of Toronto, will be showcasing it’s latest project OMEN through a tour in the fall after two informal showings in Toronto in July.
The 30-minute piece, OMEN, began as an exploration of the First Nations’ Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers in 2016.
The concept for this work came from a dynamic woman in Northern Ontario, Donna Hilsinger, Executive Director of the Algoma Fall Festival. Soon after, the piece was joined by another extraordinary person, Shirley Horn.
Horn served for six years as Missanbie CreeFirst Nations Chief and is the first-ever Chancellor of Algoma University. An artist, a speaker and extraordinary leader, she brought with her insight, strength, and hope.
What brought Chimera, Hilsinger and Horn together was a desire to share, to connect old wisdom with new challenges and to a sense of being grounded in the best of what is possible to share.
The full evening program of their informal showings consisted of two parts: Bears Stars and Trees, and the 30-minute creation, Omen.
The works were performed by Arik Pipestem, Eleanore van Veen, Brendan Wyatt, Maia Joseph and Montana Summers, who previously has worked and danced with Santee Smith.
The project itself is a dance based out of powerful, risk-taking and fiercely contemporary, The Chimera Project creates visceral theatre experiences that break down the social veneer between audience and performer. Founded in 1999 by award-winning choreographer Malgorzata Nowacka, The Chimera Project confronts the audience with high-octane physicality, ferocious technique and darkly gritty themes. The choreographic works are immersive and exciting journeys that assault the senses.
