Mama, do we die when we sleep?

As we age and change throughout our lives, we undergo an iterative process of defining and redefining our reality. It is a matter of survival, or comfort, or artistry. We seldom notice that any act of definition, however poetic, relies on establishing limitations. The path narrows as we go; our world shrinks, becomes more and more banal. There are less and less surprises.

Inspired by my two year old daughter’s question: “Do we die when we sleep?”, this work explores the emotion of wonder. Imagination and dream-space infiltrate responsibility and conformity, as some necessary invitation to possibility.

Choreography

Rachel Meyer in collaboration with the artists

Performance

Stéphanie Cyr, Josh Martin, Rachel Meyer, Calder White

Creative Support and Rehearsal Direction

Heather Myers

Composition

James Maxwell, after Frédéric Chopin, Berceuse Op. 57 in D-flat Major

Costume Design

Kate Burrows

Lighting Design

James Proudfoot

Set Design

Rachel Meyer

Set Construction and Sound Technician

Sylvain Senez

Premiere

Dancing on the Edge Festival, July 15–17, 2021
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave, Vancouver

This project acknowledges the support of the Scotiabank Dance Centre, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, Left of Main, the Dance Deck, the Dancing on the Edge Festival, and the Canada Council for the Arts.