Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Artistic Director Richard Rose is thrilled to announce the opening of Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic. The interdisciplinary storytelling work by The Qaggiq Collective runs in Tarragon’s Mainspace January 4 - January 27, 2019 (opening January 9).
Journeying across the vast expanse of the Arctic, beset by treacherous creatures wreaking havoc on his world, Kiviuq gathers strength from his ancestors and spirit guides as he defends his people and fights his way home. Music, drumming, dance and storytelling combine in this thrillingly modern evocation of ancient legends previously banned by missionaries and the Canadian government. An Inuit Odyssey, performed in Inuktitut with English overviews of the Inuit epic stories provided in the programme and on our website. Before each performance, audiences will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of Inuktitut to Canadian theatre.
Bringing this story of heroism and sorrow to Tarragon straight from the Arctic, 2019 begins with a contemporary retelling of Inuit hero legend Kiviuq, in The Qaggiq Collective’s production of Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic. This interdisciplinary work performed by a powerful new cast brings together contemporary and traditional music, throat music, Inuit drum dance and elder storytelling.
An ancient tradition of the Inuit and Arctic peoples, elder storytelling is at the root of this contemporary retelling of stories of Kiviuq, a legendary Inuit hunter. These tales are distilled from the memories shared by Inuit elders Miriam Aglukkaq (from Kugaarjuk), Qaunaq Mikigak (from Kinngait), Madeline Ivalu (from Igloolik) and Susan Avingaq (from Igloolik).
“In working with The Qaggiq Collective we’ve been given a special chance to experience storytelling and legend deeply rooted in this land, its people and language,” notes Tarragon’s Artistic Director Richard Rose. “This cherished Inuit legend has been passed down from generation to generation and we’re so pleased for Tarragon audiences to see it.”
Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic features a new and returning pan-Arctic cast of Natar Ungalaq (Igloolik), Charlotte Qamaniq (Igloolik/Ottawa), Vinnie Karetak (Iqaluit/Arviat), Christine Tootoo (Rankin Inlet), Keenan Carpenter (Uluhaktok) and Avery Keenainak (Pangnirtung). Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic is created by The Qaggiq Collective, with direction from Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory, Qaggiavuut’s Artistic Director.
The production previously appeared on stage at the Fleck Dance Theatre at Living Ritual, in Banff, AB; Iqaluit, NU, Ottawa’s NAC and continues to tour.
Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic runs in Tarragon Theatre’s Mainspace from January 4, 2019, opening officially Wednesday, January 9.
A detailed description of Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic can be found here: https://www.qaggiavuut.ca/en/kiviuq-returns
Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic
Mainspace
created by The Qaggiq Collective
directed by Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory
starring Natar Ungalaq, Charlotte Qamaniq, Vinnie Karetak, Christine Tootoo, Keenan Carpenter, Avery Keenainak
January 4 - January 27, 2019 (opening January 9)
Journeying across the vast expanse of the Arctic, beset by treacherous creatures wreaking havoc on his world, Kiviuq gathers strength from his ancestors and spirit guides as he defends his people and fights his way home. Music, drumming, dance, and storytelling combine in this thrillingly modern evocation of the legendary figure of Kiviuq: hero, seeker, wanderer. An Inuit Odyssey, performed in Inuktitut with English overviews of the Inuit epic stories provided in the programme and on our website. Before each performance, audiences will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of Inuktitut to Canadian theatre.
Showtimes are Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2:30pm, and select Saturdays at 2:30pm.
Tickets range from $22 - $60 and can be purchased online at www.tarragontheatre.com, or by phone at 416-531-1827. Discounts are available for seniors, students and groups and arts workers. Patrons under 35 & arts workers visit www.tarragontheatre.com/tarragon22.
Tarragon offers the most flexible subscription packages in the city with savings of up to 40%, allowing patrons to choose their productions, change their dates free of charge, and offering many different price points to suit all schedules and budgets. Visit the website or call Patron Services today for more information.
Rush tickets are sold for $20 cash only, in person at the theatre two hours before showtime. This year Tarragon will also be offering online rush tickets at varying discounts, 24h prior to the show. Both Rush ticket options are subject to availability.
For more information on Tarragon’s events and activities, visit www.tarragontheatre.com/calendar.
Photo of Madeline Ivalu by Jamie Griffiths.
2018-12-18
Toronto: Tarragon Theatre presents "Kiviuq Returns: An Inuit Epic" January 4-27, 2019