The Importance of Art in the Time of Coronavirus
Toronto, CANADA - Art directly dealing with our current reality is hard to face, I’m dreading the inevitable coming-of-age series titled something akin to “Quaranteens”, but this piece does so beautifully. Seeing artists dance ‘together’ in private spaces, set to stunning music and poignant narration, is sure to stir deeply.
From the one of the Creators, Stephanie Graham: At the beginning of the pandemic I read an article, “The Importance of Art in the Time of Coronavirus” by illustrator and lecturer, Louis Netter. His words moved me. I couldn’t stop thinking about the piece many days later.
So sending a random email through his website to ask permission to use his words for a creative project seemed a long shot, but to my surprise he responded immediately and gave his blessing.
I then approached two stunning collaborators, Michelle Giroux and Kevin Wong to give voice and sound to his words.
Twelve incredible performers came on board as my ensemble to dance my work but also have an opportunity to create their own choreographic interpretation of the text.
And finally the brilliantly creative Cameron Carver elevated the piece with his video editing genius.
As dancers we cannot perform in close proximity at the moment. We have to perform in isolation or socially distant from one another. These choreographic expressions were created in isolation, but come together to form a cohesive ensemble piece
As artists we are struggling during this time as our life’s work has been deemed non-essential, but I would argue that art is, in fact, essential every single day to all of us. Art creates empathy. Society needs empathy now more than ever. We must value art and the artists that create so everyone can build a better world.
I am so honoured to share this collaborative work with you.
#ArtIsEssential
Concept & Ensemble Choreography by Stephanie Graham
Original Text by Louis Netter
Music Composed & Performed by Kevin Wong
Voice Over Performed by Michelle Giroux
Video Editing by Cameron Carver
Individual Choreography by the Ensemble:
Lyndsey Britten, Jarret Cody, Colton Curtis, Michael Derworiz, Rohan Dhupar, Alexandra Herzog, Isidora Kecman, Hailey Lewis, David-Andrew Reid, Shakeil Rollock, Michele Shuster, Natasha Strilchuk