VALUE OF SPACE
PERFORMANCES

It has always been my intention for this show to include a multitude of unique voices as I firmly believe that we all benefit from the experience of witnessing and listening to perspectives different than our own.  While we may not be able to gather together, physically, I am pleased to be able to bring this vision to life through our first virtual program.  I invite you to use this virtual space as a means to connect deeper to the theme: “Value of Space”.  It is my hope that this event creates an opportunity to exchange ideas amongst each other, so I invite you to reach out and connect with the artists.      

This event not only serves as a space for the artists to share their work, but it also encourages us as viewers to dive deeper into understanding what space means for us personally. How does it affect our lives, past, present and future? How do we understand our own value of space personally and in relation to others, and ultimately what influences this understanding?

It is my vision that this program provides space for us to come together and better understand the answers to these important questions. May the work motivate us all to question the world around us. Perhaps we will even feel inspired to take action in a way that is meaningful to the greater community and has the potential to enrich the lives of everyone.

- Kristi Cole, Producer

To Claim & Reclaim

When everywhere is crowded, who is expected to make themselves smaller? In this personal yet timely solo work, Cole uses her experience as a queer woman to physically investigate the space as a means to highlight the universal human desire to occupy equal space, and therefore equal value in the world. Through the use of heightened physical self-control, as well as clear division of the performance space, this work seeks to highlight the ways in which we knowingly or unknowingly participate in our own subjugation and begs the question: How do we overcome the situation?

Am I worthy? Who makes me feel as if I must even ask the question? How do the seemingly minute everyday experiences of being "other" manifest themselves physically and influence our willingness to be seen, heard and take what is rightfully ours? What role does the subconscious play in creating barriers, both physical and imaginary? Who drew them and who gets to erase them? How do we carry on despite the exhausting process of breaking down these barriers, only to see them rebuilt and reinforced by the social confines embedded within modern society?

When a finite solution seems impossible, the only viable option is to continue to fight to break through--to reclaim our space unapologetically.

Concept & Choreography: Kristi Cole 
Performer: Kristi Cole
Film: Shannon Finnell
Sound Design: Shannon Finnell
Costume: Kristi Cole

DELUGE

In DELUGE, Cole and her performers examine and investigate how we, as individuals and members of society, relate to space, physically, emotionally and psychologically.  This work explores themes of togetherness versus isolation, harmony versus conflict, and sharing versus defending space.  

What does it mean to share space with others?  When do we choose to defend our space and when do we choose to allow others inside? Who are we without each other and how do we manage to cope while isolated or in a confined space? In spite of struggle, how do we manage to receive as well as offer support? 

Through this film adaptation, we hope to shed light on the power of togetherness. To demonstrate that even during the most overwhelming of times, where we feel inundated with grief and isolation, the capacity to overcome lies within each of us. To show the importance of diving deeper into ourselves, so that we may return to each other once again, more fully aware of who we are and ready to move forward together. 

Choreography: Kristi Cole in collaboration with the performers
Performers: Kristi Cole, Emma Lalor, Madeline Robertson, Therese Ronco, Kimiko Tanabe and Lea Torelli
Filmed: Shannon Finnell
Edited: Kristi Cole 
Costume Concept: Kristi Cole
Costume Design: Lauren Beirne 
Music: Leon Vynehall 
Sound Design: Kristi Cole