Between May 29th and June 2nd, 2022, Gwaandak Theatre gathered a group of six artists to participate in a devised theatre residency to create the groundwork for Fire Show, which eventual grew into new ideas and unique projects. During these early months, participants were led by Ming Hudson over five days as they created initial concept performances, poems, and writings. Gwaandak Staff, Colin Wolf and James Croken, archived the work developed during this time for the purpose of future reference. As part of the inital project development, participants were able to go on a field trip to the Yukon Government’s Protective Services Wildland Fire Management Warehouse. Mike and Hayley showed us around, let us try on some gear, and really gave us an idea of newer approaches to fire management.

During Awaken Festival 2022, we hosted a Fire Show community circle to hear some community perspectives about forest fires.

As part of Awaken Festival 2025, the art installation Superbloom was unveiled. This work, which was conceptualized by Nicole Schafenacker and Krystle Silverfox + created by many hands across the Yukon, explores how the land regenerates after a wildfire and how making art, in turn, can feed our whole selves and support our agency as stewards. This installation explored both the recent impacts of the climate catastrophe across Yukon and NWT and the webs of connection and resilience that are emerging in response, and was developed with support from the Dechinta Centre. Mussi cho to the speakers featured in their soundscape: Blake Shaá’koon Lepine, Jeneen Frei Njootli, Krystle Silverfox and more.