How do we change our brains? And if we can, how far can we go?
am a delves into identity, self-knowledge and neuroplasticity in a performance at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts Oct. 3 through 6.
The work, billed as 鈥渁n encounter between dance and theatre鈥� is brought to the stage by Amber Funk Barton and Mindy Parfitt. am a is described as 鈥渁 playful encounter between audience and performer, between technology and human physicality, between true stories and science.鈥�
Barton and Parfitt are exploring how identity is constructed in a multidisciplinary work that includes personal text, scientific writing, dance and song. 聽As part of their ongoing experiment, the two artists are trading disciplines: Barton, a dancer, sings, while Parfitt, a theatre artist, dances.
鈥淲e premiered am a last year at the Cultch, and we are so excited to return to this work and deepen the exchange of our practices,鈥� Barton said in a press release.
Since its March 2017 premiere 鈥� which saw it nominated for two Jessie Richardson Awards 鈥� the two have continue to experiment.
鈥淓xperimentation is at the core of this piece, and we鈥檙e still making discoveries in rehearsal,鈥� Parfitt said in the release. 鈥淎nd, of course, we really enjoy performing am a together.鈥�
In creating the show, the two have worked with a team of artists from Montreal and Vancouver: Ana Cappelluto (sets/lights) and Antoine Bedard from Montreal, and Cande Andrade (video) and Heidi Taylor (dramaturg) from Vancouver.
鈥�am a allows the audience to experience hope. It is an ode to personal strength and the capacity and potential to change. am a is a celebration of being human. Of daring to succeed. Of daring to fail,鈥� said the release.
It鈥檚 onstage Wednesday, Oct. 3 through Saturday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave. Tickets are $36 regular, or $15 for opening night. See or call 604-205-3000.
