Overview
“Powerful in a quiet yet magnificent way.” – The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK)
Centred on our interpersonal relationships and our connection to nature, Sámi choreographer Elle Sofe Sara galvanizes seven female dancers and singers on stage, mixing music, song, traditional yoik and the physical language of dance into an essential piece of work that seeks to amplify the long-repressed voices of the Sámi people.
Through their polyphonic chants and movements, the performers draw audiences into a story of resistance and healing, celebrating the harmony between living creatures and the land, between nature and the community. The work, a choreographed, theatrical concert, is inspired by Sámi spirituality and pays tribute to all those who fight injustice. Harbourfront Centre hosts its exclusive Toronto premiere, part of its 2023/24 season of Torque.
Please note that this performance begins outdoors at Ontario Square and will move indoors to Fleck Dance Theatre.
About Elle Safe Sara
Described as one of the most exciting and vital choreographers in her generation in Norway, Sara grew up in Guovdageaidnu, Finnmark. In addition to working as a choreographer, she has made several award-winning short films and documentaries. She is working on a feature film, the first musical in the Sámi language.
Sara’s work expands upon seemingly mundane, often overlooked areas of Sámi physicality—unspoken rituals that have escaped the vice grip of colonialism. She uncovers a space in which the past and the present coincide. While her choreography is known for its playful approach, she also delves into taboo subjects such as trauma, abuse and suicide. As an Indigenous artist, Sara seeks to create work that resonates as strongly with her community as it does with the art world. Internationally, Sara has developed work with Liu Chi (China), Wimme (Finland) and Lana Hansen (Greenland) among others. She is also the co-founder of DÁIDDADÁLLU, a Sámi Indigenous contemporary art collective.
Credits
Artistic Director, Choreographer Elle Sofe Sara Performers Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska, Olga-Lise Holmen, Grete Daling, Ulla Pirttijävri, Nora Svenning, Julie Moviken, Vilja Tjemsland Kwasny Composer Frode Fjellheim Co-choreographer Alexandra Wingate Dramaturge Thomas Schaupp Costumes Line Maher Set Designer Elin Melberg Light Designer Øystein Heitmann Light Manager Anniell Olsen Sound Manager Eivind Steinholm Tour Manager Ingvild Kirkvik Producers Maiken Garder and Nordberg Movement Social Media Ánne Kátjá Gaup Hat Sewing Zoja Galkina, Unni Fjellheim, Sara Inga Utsi Bongo, Karen Inga Buljo Oskal, Jorunn Løkvold, Hilly Sarre Dress Sewing Caroline Bratt, Johanna Nuutinen, Ann Majbritt Eriksen Performance Title Rájácummá/Kiss from the border by Niillas Holmberg, Outi Pieski, Jenn Laiti Video Documentation, Photography Antero Hein/Hein Creations, Alexander Browne
Vástádus eana – The answer is land is coproduced by Arctic Arts Festival, Norrlandsopraen and Tanz im August.
The production Vástádus eana – The answer is land received funding from Sámediggi, Norsk Kulturråd, Nordisk Kulturkontakt, Troms og Finnmark Fylkeskommune, Fond for Lyd og Bilde, Dáiddafaonda, Sámiráđđi.
The Company would like to acknowledge Arts and Culture Norway, Sámediggi and Performing Arts Hub Norway for their support towards the 2024 Canadian tour.
Access Info
If you require wheelchair or accessible seating, please contact our Box Office ahead of time at tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com or phone (416) 973-4000, Option 1 – Wednesday–Friday from 1-5pm.
Dates & Times
March 6
7:30pm
65 mins
March 7
7:30pm
65 mins
There will be no intermission for any performance.
There will be an opening reception following the performance on Wednesday, March 6.
There will be a Q&A following the performance on Thursday, March 7 hosted by moderator Nicole Inica Hamilton.
More Info
Your tickets will be scanned at the Info Desk at 235 Queens Quay West. Please note that the show starts outdoors at Ontario Square and will move indoors to Fleck Dance Theatre.
This event is general admission.
Performance Advisory: There are no spoken words in the performance that will need translation; some yoik lyrics are in Sámi.