Creative Process Workshops with Noémie Lafrance at The Bentway

ABOUT THE PROJECT
This new work by Noémie Lafrance created specifically for The Bentway site explores how our navigation of architecture and urban infrastructures is “choreographed” and investigates the political, social and cultural influences those choreographies impart on the human body and the social body. It is a site-specific work of “instructional choreography” created from a number of scripted instructions to be enacted by a group of 60 performers and the public across the full length of The Bentway site .

CREATIVE PROCESS WORKSHOPS
Leading up to the creation of this epic work, a series of 6 workshops will be held welcoming people from all segments of the community and all ages. Participants will engage with, and debate the ideas behind the work, questioning how urban infrastructure operates as a new form of social design and political power. The workshops will explore how structures (physical and relational) affect our social relations, define new ways of navigating, moving and thinking, and impact our lives, in general, as urban dwellers. The workshops will engage a wide range of participants (professional dancers and actors, members of the community at large, and future audience members) in round table discussions, collective writing exercises and group physical improvisations in movement and voice. Participants of all experience levels are welcome.

WHEN
Workshops:
March 23, 24, 30, 31 / April 6, 7, 13, 14 / May 4, 5, 14*
1pm-5pm for adults / 10:30am-12:30pm for elders (Saturdays only) / 10:30am-12:30pm for youth (Sundays only)
*May 14, 5-8pm for ALL

Performances:
June 7th -8th at 6pm & 8pm

WHERE
The Bentway
250 Fort York Blvd.
Toronto ON M6K 3C5

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Noémie Lafrance is known for her innovative approach to public space interventions and her dance films. Her company Sens Production has produced numerous site-specific works in public spaces in New York City and internationally. Lafrance’s work includes Agora, which occupied the 50,000 sq feet then abandoned McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Rapture staging the architecture of Frank Gehry. Her work has toured internationally and was presented as part of the New York City Whitney Biennal, The Festival de Cannes, the Festival TransAmerique, among others. She has choreographed and directed music videos and concerts for artists such as David Byrne, Feist, Justin Timberlake, Carly Rae Jepsen, Snow Patrol, Amanda Palmer and many others.