TO Live, in association with Native Earth Performing Arts and The Theatre Centre, presents the Toronto debut of Pour, from provocative, boundary-busting dancer-choreographer Daina Ashbee. Pour will be performed at the Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. West) February 22–24, 2019.  Tickets are on sale and available online at theatrecentre.org, by calling (416) 538-0988 or in person at the Theatre Centre box office. 

Recognized as one of the most promising choreographers of the next generation, Daina Ashbee was named one of “25 to Watch” by the influential American publication Dance Magazine. She is a Montréal-based artist, performer and choreographer. Her work is often influenced by her Cree, Métis and Dutch heritage and her experiences as a young woman, using both contemporary and traditional means as expression.

With artistic direction, concept, choreography and scenography by Daina Ashbee and interpreted by Paige Culley, Pour is a work that explores the vulnerability and strength of women, uncovering the layers of pain they absorb in their bodies through a society that does not support them. Like her previous works, Ashbee has created a dark work that confronts its audiences. Yet, for the first time, layers of joy and celebration pierce the tension that has been manifested throughout the performance.

Paige Culley’s courageous performance traverses states of liberation, control, pain, beauty and catharsis in a live and intimate setting.

Victor Swoboda of the Montréal Gazette said “Daina Ashbee, a Montreal choreographer by way of British Columbia, has risen fast since moving here. Certain circles seem to think she could be the next big thing!”

To watch a video excerpt from Pour - vimeo.com.

Special thanks to BMO Financial Group for its support of Pour, part of the 2018/19 Dance Collection.

ABOUT DAINA ASHBEE

Daina Ashbee is an artist, performer and choreographer based in Montreal, known for her radical works at the edge of dance and performance, which intelligently approach such complex subjects and taboos as female sexuality, Métis identity, and climate change. For the choreographer, creation is an instinctive and quasi-spiritual quest, which embraces her relationship with her ancestors, the universe and the entire cosmos. At the young age of 26, she has already won two awards for her choreographies. She was a double prizewinner at the Prix de la danse de Montréal, winning both the Prix du CALQ for Best Choreography of 2015-2016 for her choreographic installation When the Ice Melts, Will We Drink the Water?, and the Prix Découverte de la danse, presented by Agora de la danse and Tangente, for Unrelated. Also Daina was named by the prestigious German Tanz magazine as one of 30 promising artists for the year 2017 and named one of 25 to watch by the American publication, Dance Magazine in 2018.

Recognized as one of the most promising choreographers of the next generation, her work is regularly presented in the most prestigious festivals (The Venice Biennale, Oktoberdans, Les Rencontre Chorégraphiques de Seine Saint Denis, and the Munich Dance Biennale) and on the stages of the world (Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Finland, Greenland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Mexico).

DAINA ASHBEE’S POUR

February 22 – 24, 2019

Friday, February 22 & Saturday, February 23, 8PM

Sunday, February 24, 2PM

The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St. W.

Single tickets $33 (service changes may apply). 

Seating is General Admission.

Tickets are available online at theatrecentre.org, by calling (416) 538-0988 or in person at the Theatre Centre box office, 1115 Queen St. W. (Tuesday–Friday 1pm–5pm, plus evenings and weekends during performances)

All tickets are available for pick-up at the theatre two-hours before the performance.

Please note that latecomers will not be admitted and The Theatre Centre is not able to offer refunds.

Photo: Paige Culley in Pour. © 2018 Saina Ashbee & Alejandro Jimenez.