Margie Gillis – September 15, 2022

In this new vivacious, mischievous, and light-hearted piece, choreographer Margie Gillis celebrates nature, in a heartfelt appeal to her native Quebec origins, where each season is more spirited and dazzling than the next. Although the “Belle Province” is ever present in this piece, the choreographer was also inspired by Hawaii. On the Hawaiian Islands, Nature is Queen, the mother of every living thing and the symbol of life. The piece is inspired by the legend of Pélé, the spirited goddess of volcanoes, dance and fire who created the Islands. Following Pélé depiction, and in turns happy, quick-tempered, fragile, formidable, incongruous, and treasured, Nature is personified by 10 dancers parading on stage to offer a sensitive and shimmering panorama. In this piece, Margie Gillis’ long-time friend and collaborator, Rhiannon, loans her voice to the bodies’ movements on stage.

An all-dimensional ode to life and Nature, where humour meets boldness in a touching danced portrait.

“The seasons have always been a living part of me, and they inspire me greatly. The piece was born from a vision where seasons are personified. I created movement sequences and short scenarios, and artists improvised from there. Rhiannon and I have created an organic sound landscape, where laughter meets tears and deep discoveries. It is an ode to Pina Bausch, Martha Clarke or Paul Taylor. Basically, this piece is a cacophonic cocreation with a talented team.” – Margie Gillis