Handsome Alice Theatre presents:
A Love Letter to Emily C
by Sheri-D Wilson
May 4 - 11, 2019, 7:30 pm
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons, 205 8th Ave SE
A Love Letter to Emily C, explores the life and times of Canadian icon and artist Emily Carr. Humorous and moving, this play is an interdisciplinary marvel like nothing you’ve ever experienced.
Fall in love with the making of extraordinary art! Experience all the exhilaration and creative brilliance of Emily Carr as she playfully interacts with her monkey Woo. A quirky dialogue between an artist and the creature she adored—it is a fusion of theatre, poetry, visual art and music.
Text: Sheri-D Wilson | Direction: Trevor Schmidt | Performers: Shawna Burnett & Nancy McAlear | Sound Design: Peter Moller | Projections: Amelia Scott | Lighting Design: Sandi Somers | Production Design: Trevor Schmidt
Calgary Spoken Word Society presents:
SPECIAL EVENTS
We are bringing a special guest—Chief Wedlidi Speck! Ancestral Chief of the Nation that named Emily Carr.
Wedlidi Speck is a member of the Namgis First Nation in Alert Bay, BC. His cultural connections are to the people of Kwakwaka’wakw - the tribe that gave Emily Carr her name, Klee Wyck - the Nuuchanulth and Island K’omoks. Wedlidi is the head chief of the Gixsam namima (clan) of the Kwagul tribe. He has a ‘seat’ amongst the naiichaplalamlath of the Mowachat, the nunemasaqalis clan of the Tlawitsis and is the speaker for his uncle George & E’iksan K’omoks. As a chief and spiritual leader, Wedlidi is recognized for his knowledge on traditional protocols and Indigenous relational practices. He is a story keeper and name-keeper for his families. His cross-cultural experiences have included jurying and selecting artworks for the BC Arts Council and BC Arts Festivals. He has provided art talks, moderated panels and hosted art shows and supported the refresh of UBC museum collection.
Event #1: Workshop with Wedlidi Speck
Saturday, May 04, 1:00–3:00 PM
Location TBA—$50
“Metaphors we live by—A Workshop to Explore the Journey of the Soul.”
Wedlidi will ‘call in the circle way’ and use story to explore the ancient knowledge and traditions of his ancestors, his mentors and the wisdom- Keepers that have influenced his life. In his own words, “the sacred is found in the space between right & wrong- it is found in the seed of the tree that we are intended to be.”
To answer the questions, who am I, why am I, and where am I going, illumines our journey. Herein is our work.
Event #2: Opening Night Blessing by Wedlidi Speck
Saturday, May 04 7:30 PM Big Secret Theatre
Chief Wedlidi Speck will present an opening night blessing to honour the people who named Emily Carr, Klee Wyck.
Event #3: A Talking Circle
Sunday, May 05 2:00 PM Big Secret Theatre—Pay what you can
“Meeting Emily Carr through the eyes of the Kwakwaka'wakw.”
A facilitated talk between Chief Wedlidi Speck and Poet Laureate/ Playwright, Sheri-D Wilson.
Event #4: Book Launch
Tuesday, May 07 7:30 PM Big Secret Theatre
This special dedicated performance will launch Sheri-D Wilson’s new book, “A Love Letter to Emily C”, published by Frontenac House. Join us afterwards to get a special price on your copy, personally signed by Calgary’s Poet Laureate.
Sheri-D Wilson D. Litt
Sheri-D Wilson is Poet Laureate of Calgary (2018-2020). Wilson is the award-winning author of eleven books, the creator of four short films, and four albums which combine music and poetry. She is known for her electric performance-style, making her a favorite of festivals around the world. Sheri-D has read, performed & taught in festivals across Canada, USA, UK, France, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, and South Africa. In 2017, she received her Doctor of Letters—Honoris Causa from Kwantlen University. Other awards include: The City of Calgary Arts Award, The Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, Heavyweight Champion of USA.
Contact Info:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Shivani Saini
Atelier Culturati
[email protected]
403.993.3758
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: CalgarySpokenWordSociety
Twitter: @YYCSpokenWord
Instagram: @calgaryspokenwordsociety
Facebook Event Page – A Love Letter to Emily C
