Written by Djennie Laguerre
Directed by Rhoma Spencer
Program Description: In the tradition of Haitian storytelling, Mother Sea / Manman la Mertakes us on a journey that joins magic, love, and redemption. It is the story of a woman who can see the future in her dreams but is cut off from her abilities by her mother’s fear. After healing from a mysterious sickness, her dreams disappear along with her sense of self. 25 years later, only her grandmother can restore her faith and her ancestral lineage.
Seasoned storyteller, Djennie Laguerre, always invites her audience to follow along on her journeys. When she says "krick" she invites you to respond "krack", meaning you hear and acknowledge what she sharing, whether its serious or funny. Djennie starts off well with the tale of a young girl discovering her difference, and we are invited into her world of Quebecoise and Haitian aunties. Krick. Krack. However, as the girl's power to see the future is suppressed by her mother (krick!) and depression follows, the responding krack! is barely heard from the audience: the call and response is missing its energy. Djennie is not seeing us, so there is no one guiding the collective. This may be an intentional decision to mirror her character's mood, but it's not an effective choice as it alienates us from the storyteller. Still, Djennie weaves a good tale, and I, along with the rest of the audience, fell in love with the strength and vibrancy of the Haitian grandmother. This is a work in progress, and as such, things are subject to change. Perhaps by your performance, Djennie will have gone back to embracing her audience with her usual warmth from beginning to end.
What Do You See?
Choreographed and Performed by Jasmyn Fyffe
Program Description: A new, intimate, probing solo dance-theatre work that seeks to explore a plethora of ideas around the female black body.
Before entering the space, we are encouraged to choose a label and stick in on Jasmyn's back as she stands in silence, naked torso facing the theatre wall. Once we are seated, she remains against the wall, silently, sinuously manipulating fabric, until her hip covering now enshrouds her body. We are then invited by flashing APPLAUSE signs to participate as cheering audience members to a game show a twist. We have become complicit in an ugly truth, and as theatre glides into a movement piece, we are magnetized by Jamyn's incredibly emotional countenance and dancing ability. The labels are revealed, and, even if you didn't select one, we all know how damaging some labels can be. As the title suggests, the piece is subject to your interpretation, so what you take away will be based on your personal knowledge and experiences. One thing that many will agree is that Jasmyn Fyffe is an extraordinary talent.
REMAINING PERFORMANCES
Mother Sea/Manman la mer AND What Do You See?
The Theatre Centre BMO Incubator
1115 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON
Saturday August 12th 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Sunday August 13th 12:00pm - 1:15pm
