Awaken Festival 2020
May 1 - May 10, 2020
Gwaandak Theatre is pleased to present its first annual Awaken Festival. This festival will feature workshops, and digital performances for our Indigi/Queer Cabaret and Creators Lab. Awaken Festival centers marginalized artists to showcase their creativity, to share a story, but most importantly we hope to offer connection and community as both artists and audience reorient themselves.
Celebrate the Beginning of Spring!
Creators Lab - May 7th at 7PM (PST)
Creators Lab supports the development of new works by artists with ties to the Yukon, Nyla Carpentier and Léa Roy-Bernatchez. Both artists will engage in an isolated creation development residency from April 27 to May 6, followed by a live streamed performance of their work in progress on May 7th at 7pm PST. After their performances, the artists will host a live curated online discussion.
Indigi/Queer Cabaret - Co-produced with Queer Yukon - May 9th at 7PM (PST)
A mentorship opportunity for Indigenous, Indigiqueer, 2spirit and queer folx in burlesque, drag or other types of cabaret performance, followed by acts from performers and mentors.
Programming
Workshops
Pow Wow 101 - May 2nd - 2PM (PST)
This class gives an introduction to the different styles of Pow wow dance and the basic steps of traditional, jingle & fancy. All dance styles will be touched on. With over 30 years of experience, Nyla Carpentier, will guide participants through a 1.5 hour class. The start of the class will be a warm-up, followed by the teaching of the steps and then a brief cool down with stretching. Throughout the class Nyla will share what she has been taught about the dances and Pow wow culture.
Masterclass - May 6th to May 10th
A storytelling/playwriting Masterclass led by award winning playwright - and one of Maclean's 20 people to watch in 2020 - Falen Johnson.
These masterclass sessions with Falen are designed to create a brave space for women identifying and non-binary individuals to share their stories, and develop those stories through creative methods. Comprised of approximately 2 group sessions and individual meetings, adapted to the participants’ needs.
