Luminato Festival
unveils 2008 program
Toronto's second annual Festival of Arts and Creativity will once
again blanket the city with 10 days of world and Canadian premières,
special celebrations, artist residenciese events
TORONTO, Dec. 5 /CNW/ - Building on the extraordinary success of
its inaugural season, Luminato, Toronto's Festival of Arts & Creativity,
today unveiled its wide-ranging program for 2008. Conceived to shine
a light on the cultural richness of Toronto, Canada and the world,
Luminato's unparalleled celebration of dance, music, theatre, film,
literature and the visual arts will run from June 6 to 15, 2008.
"See, hear, feel, move, share, go. These are some key words that
we're associating with Luminato 2008," said CEO Janice Price, as
she announced the program at a lunchtime press conference in the
Jane Mallett Theatre. "They're all active words, and imperatives,
because this Festival isn't about passive spectating. It's about
using your senses, engaging emotionally and intellectually with
artists and their work, and sharing the excitement of that with
everyone."
The program has been carefully constructed to enable audiences
to explore for themselves the many parallels and contrasts that
can be drawn not only among the individual works but also among
the different genrich they
belong.
"The more you look at all the events and performances we're presenting
in 2008," said Ms. Price, "the more of these connections you'll
notice: little ribbons, if you like, of ideas, genres, styles and
perspectives. The ribbons aren't meant to bind or restrict; rather
they invite you to follow them and see where they go, to gather
some together and weave them into your own unique image of what
this Festival is all about."
Today's Luminato announcement was attended by members of arts,
business and civic organizations, as well as local media.
"We are extremely excited by the magnificent programming being
announced today," said Luminato Co-Founder and Co-Chair Tony Gagliano.
"This June, Toronto will once again welcome the world to a festival
that unites the artistic talents of the city with artists from around
the globe."
"Our second Luminato Festival will build upon the success of its
inaugural season to be acknowledged as a visionary and committed
partner to artists and arts organizations locally, nationally and
internationally," said Luminato Co-Founder and Co-Chair David Pecaut.
Canadian and world premières, international collaborations
and innovative multi-media presentations are only some of the highlights
of the Festival, which also includes many free events, artistic
residencies and an extensive program of educational and community
outreach. As before, local artists and companies will take part
in the Festival alongside their counterparts from across Canada
and throue world.
WORLD PREMIERES
- Kronos Quartet and Tanya Tagaq - Grammy-winning, genre-bending
ensemble, Kronos Quartet present Nunavut, cludes a
spectacular musical collaboration with groundbreaking Inuit throat
singer Tanya Tagaq and a world première piecey-Gurdy,
commissioned by Luminato. Isabel Bader Theatre.
- Mikel Rouse Trilogy - American composer and performer Mikel
Rouse's innovative multi-media opera trilogy, presented for the
first time in repertory. Fifteen years in the making, these three
sensational pieces include: Failing Kansas, a one-man show inspired
by the
murders and men at the heart of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood;
Dennis Cleveland, in which Rouse transforms scape of
trash-talk TV into rock poetry; and The End of Cinematics, a "hyper-real"
3-D movie live on stage. Failing Kan Factory
Theatre. Dennis Cleveland: Toronto Film School Studio. The End
of Cinematics: Bluma Appel Theatre.
- Rocket and the Queen of Dreams - Roseneath Theatre, in association
with Puppetmongers Theatre, uses a brilliant f shadow
theatre, puppetry, music and live performance to create this astonishing
journey into the dream world of a youngitten by
internationally acclaimed playwright David S. Craig, with puppet
design by David Powell and a full original score by Richard M.
Sacks.
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.
- Sanctuary Song - A dynamic intersection of opera and dance
Toronto artists Marjorie Chan and Abigail Richardson. Anlephant,
poached at a young age from the jungles of Indonesia, recalls
her remarkable life as her keeper leads her on a journey to sanctuary
in the hills of Tennessee. Presented in partnership with Tapestry
New Opera Works and Theatre Direct Canada. Berkeley Street Theatre.
- Where the Blood Mixes - Canadian First Nations ht Kevin Loring's
deeply personal story about three people frolakapmux nation of
Lytton, B.C. Where the Blood Mixes bout the emptiness we desperately
try to fill in our hearts, our longing for love and our return
to a place within ourselves can call home. Co-commissioned by
Luminato and the Vancouver Playhouse. The Factory Theatre.
CANADIAN PREMIERES
- A Midsummer Night's Dream - Director Tim Supple'stionally acclaimed
South Asian production of Shakespeare's classic play. A ravishing
and enchanting Dream as you've never before, Supple's production
showcases the astonishing skilldancers, street acrobats, martial
arts experts, musictors and performers from across India and Sri
Lanka, and is performed in seven languages besides English: Tamil,
Malayalam, S, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi and Sanskrit. Varsity Arena.
- Black Watch - The National Theatre of Scotland's critically
cclaimed international theatre sensation. Hurtling from a pool
room in Fife to an armoured wagon in Iraq, Black Watch is based
on rterviews conducted by playwright Gregory Burke - winner of
the Writers' Guild of Great Britain's Best Play (Theatre) award
- withsoldiers who served in Iraq. Viewed through the eyes of
thos ground, Black Watch reveals what it means to be part egendary
Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of the war on terror
and what it means to make the journey home again. ive-star review,
The Herald wrote, "Black Watch is an astoartistic whirlwind. The
world must see this play. Immediately." Location TBA.
- City of Abstracts and Nowhere and Everywhere at the Same Time
- Famed choreographer William Forsythe is celebrated forting the
practice of ballet into a dynamic 21st-century art foForsythe
Company's City of Abstracts projects and then distorovements of
passers-by onto a giant screen, resulting ionscious choreography.
In Nowhere and Everywhere at the Same Time, a group of performers
orient themselves around a series of handulums, resulting in interpretations
personal and scientazed and categorical. Locations TBA.
- Homeland - A new project from acclaimed Ameltimedia performance
artist Laurie Anderson. A "concertHomeland questions the current
fears of Americans, theiion with security and their increasing
loneliness and loss of freedom. Winner of the 2007 Dorothy and
Lillian Gish Prize and the tist-in- residence at NASA, Anderson
is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking use of technology.
Commissioned by Luminato and The Barbican Centre, London; Cal
Performances at UC Berelbourne International Arts Festival; Society
for the ng Arts, Houston, Texas; and the University of Floriesville.
The Music Hall.
- Mark Morris Dance Group - Leading contemporary choreographer
Mark Morris brings his Brooklyn-based Mark Morris Danceo Canada
for the first time in 10 years. This Luminato Artist Residency
will include:
- Mozart Dances - Inspired by the timeless music of Mozart,
Mozart Dances features 16 dancers performing against thackdrops
of British artist Howard Hodgkins and accompanied live by
members of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra. The New York
Times hailed the piece as "a masterpiece...one of Mr. Mgrandest
achievements." MacMillan Theatre.
- Love Song Waltzes/New Love Song Waltzes - Morris's ravishing
and popular ballets set to Brahms's Liebesliederwalzer, op.52,
and Neue Liebesliederwalzer, op. 65, paint a revealing picture
of love in our time, with fleeting portraits of despair, comfort,
ardour and loneliness, as well as relationships of every kind
and size. These pieces, never before seen in Canada, are accompanied
on the program by a performance of Grand Duo, one of the group's
most popular works. MacMillan Theatre.
- Violet Caverns/All Fours - One of Morris's instant classics,
All Fours features 12 dancers performing to Bartok' Quartet
no. 4. It is paired with Violet Cavern, a dance foompanied
by a live score composed and performed by dynamicllective
The Bad Plus. MacMillan Theatre.
- Slow Dancing - Photographer David Michalek's seri larger- than-life,
hyper-slow-motion video portraitcers and choreographers from around
the world. Displayed ole giant screens, each subject's five-second
movement unsture by barely perceptible gesture into 10 minutes
of extr motion, enabling the viewer to share in the simplest of
movements. Of its acclaimed installation at Lincoln Center, The
New Ys wrote:"At this scale and speed, everything the dancer does
has an air of the miraculous." Co-commissioned by Luminato, the
LA Music Centre and Sadler's Wells, London. Location TBA.
CELEBRATIONS
- Light on Your Feet - Stretch your legs and dance Light on Your
Feet over a series of evenings at Yonge-Dundas Square. Tc square
will transform into a huge open-air dance hall, where live bands
will take the beat to the street, celebrating differenl genres
each night. Early-evening lessons in fancy footwork offered, making
these the ultimate dance parties for alnd skill levels. Yonge-Dundas
Square.
- Opening Weekend - The Festival's Opening Weekend Celebrations
will feature a variety of free programming and accidental encounters
with art, and will provide audiences with a multitude of opportunities
to participate.
- Opening Night Concert - Light on Your Feet kicks off with
a spectacular concert headlined by a leading swing orchestra
and all-star soloists. Hear music from around the world, move
to the rhythms of the night and share the experience with
friends and family as this free outdoor concert and dance
party spills into the streets. Yonge-Dundas Square.
- Opening Weekend Concerts
- Funk Fest - Nathan Phillips Square will come alive
Saturday afternoon with Luminato's Funk Fest, featuring
popular funk bands and dancers. Nathan Phillips Square.
- Queen West Celebration - After Yorkville's summer of
love, Toronto's artist scene moved south to Queen Street
West. The 1970s saw the birth of an era best known for
New Wave and Punk music, a movement centred on Queen West's
iconic music venues, Grange Park and the Ontario College
of Art and Design. Join Luminato as we celebrate the original
era of Queen West cool through music, style and visual
art. Queen West area.
- Scottish Music Festival - Enjoy the distinctive music
of Scotland and discover how Canadian artists have put
their own stamp on it. This show will set the scene for
a later viewing of the National Theatre of Scotland's
Black Watch down the street. Yonge-Dundas Square.
- Closing Weekend - Luminato's Closing Weekemove the Celebrations
southward to Toronto's waterfront, wLuminato Link boat and TTC
bus shuttle providing convenie between venues:
- Harbourfront Centre's Luminat'eau - a lakeside celebration
of the many water-based festivals and carnivals throue world.
Building on the success of last year's Carima, and inspired
by the cultures represented in the 2008 Festival and the themes
that emerge from it, Luminat'eau will feature both large-
scale artistic works and community-engagborative spectacle.
- Luminato at the Historic Distillery District - The Young
Centre for the Performing Arts will build on the success of
last year's program celebrating emerging artists and ydership.
Multidisciplinary performances, live creatioual art, workshops
and community symposia will pepper the theatres and laneways
in the Historic Distillery Distthe next generation of Toronto's
arts leaders miocal and international artists.
ARTIST RESIDENCIES
- Dan Zanes and Friends - Dan Zanes, former lead singengwriter
for the legendary rock and roll band The Del Fueghis band perform
exuberant, irresistible handmade music usiastic crowds of kids
and kids at heart. Drawing on a w musical traditions, Zanes, his
band and his surprising and special guests, create a rollicking
"Woodstock for Kids," incxuberant American traditional songs,
dance classics and nventive originals. Zanes's week-long residency
will provide an opportunity to engage families and communities
through a variety-alongs, workshops, question-and-answer sessions
and other events. Music Hall and locations throughout the city.
- Mark Morris Dance Group - Mark Morris's internaticclaimed dance
company will take part in a comprehensive oLuminato Artist Residency,
which will include the Canadiangrave;re performances of Mozart
Dances, Love Song Waltzove Song Waltzes and All Fours/Violet Cavern,
as well as extommunity outreach initiatives including pre-Festival
workd school visits.
EXPERIENCES
The 10 days of Luminato provide the Festival-goer with a total
sensory
experience. In addition to all the events and cele already
mentioned above, we invite you to see, hear, feel, move and share,
in a
multitude of ways.
- See
- --
From The End of Cinematics to City of Abstracts, Lpresents visual
spectacle in a breathtaking variety of forms. These will also
include:
- StreetScape - Blank, vacant, abandoned and derelict walls
are re- imagined as monumental canvases as Toronto becomes
host to some of the world's best large-scale wall painting,
drd street art. Locations throughout central Toronto and alonterfront
will transform into a new type of exhibition spaceociation
with the Art Gallery of Ontario. Locations TBA.
- Colour... For the End of Time (Messiaen Project) ebration
of Olivier Messiaen's 100th anniversary, thn Trio's presentation
of the Quartet for the End ofings art together with science
in an experience that remarkable connections between sound
and colour. Utilizing references to colour and sound association
made by Messiaen in his works and writings centred on his
fascination with sia, the performance will feature a multimedia
repren of the colours associated to the chords and modes in
Messiaen's work. The performance will also include a discussion
of the science behind synesthesia, led bycholars.
Hear
----
The beat of Toronto's many cultures, including those of South Asia
and Canada's First Nations, drive such performanhere the Blood Mixes,
Sanctuary Song and A Midsummer Night's Dream. That beat is also
heard in:
- The Ecstasy of Rita Joe - A 40th-anniversary reading of the
acclaimed drama by George Ryga. One of the first Canadian plays
to address issues relating to Aboriginal people, The Ecstasy
of Rita Joe uses song, monologues and tableaux to tell the story
of a young Aboriginal woman who comes to the city. In partnership
with the Vancouver Playhouse. The Factory Theatre.
- Spotlight on New South Asian Writing - An ef cross- generational
voices and discussion interwo musical performance centring on
ideas of exile and belonging. Hosted by award-winning Toronto
author Shyam Selvadurai (Funny Boy), with Daljit Nagra (winner
of the 2007 Forward Poetry PEngland) and otherion TBA.
Feel
----
Such works as Black Watch, Homeland and Failing Kane timely questions
about war, tradition and technology. No less powerful in their discussion
of contempoues are:
- The Fiddle and the Drum - Luminato and The National Ballet
of Canada present the Alberta Ballet in The Fiddle and the Drum.
A collaboration between renowned singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell
and Alberta Ballet Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître,
he piece explores their thoughts on a series of modern tncluding
the environment and world conflict. The Fidthe Drum features
25 dancers, 12 songs and projectiotchell's striking paintings,
and will be presented with r pieces performed by The National
Ballet of Canada: Etudes and the second detail. Four Seasons
Centre for the Performing Arts.
- The Glass Eye - The English debut of Quebec theatre creator
Marie Brassard. Devised around an existing work by Toronto actor
Louis Negin, The Glass Eye is a play within a plaed by an improbable
meeting and a celebration of the mixing of cultures and generations.
Brassard's distinctive work, both o artist and with acclaimed
director Robert Lepage, is known for its mixing of genres and
blurring of boundaries and has been presented to critical acclaim
around the world. Location TBA.
- The Political Graphic Novel - An evening of literature, film
and images that will bring together a unique combin writers
who focus on war and politics through the medium tration. With
Miriam Katin (We Are on Our Own) and others. Location TBA.
Move
----
From the open-air dance party, Light on Your Feet, to the trio of
performances presented by the Mark Morris Dance Group, Luminato
2008 invites you to surrender body and soul to the rhythms of life.
Among the many other dance- and movement-related perforresented
will be:
- Etudes/the second detail - Two dance classics to be presented
with The Fiddle and the Drum and performed by the National Ballet
of Canada. One of the most popular of all ballets, anders's
Etudes is an affectionate tribute to the art flassical dance.
Meanwhile, the second detail rounds oustival's offering of William
Forsythe with a playful and physical work that alters one's
perception of just what dance is. Four Seasons Centre for the
ng Arts.
Share
-----
Active participation, accidental encounters with art, festivities
for kids and a wide array of celebrations and free evenLuminato
an experien shared:
- Celebration of Isaac Bashevis Singer - The Nob-winning writer
and master of the short story will be fêted by emporary
authors who are considered to be carrying on his tradition.
With award-winning American writer Dara Horn (The World to Come)
and others. Location TBA.
- Diaspora Dialogues: Launch of TOK Book nato, in association
with Diaspora Dialogues, presents the launch of the third in
a series of city-centric anthologies, showcasing the emerging
literary voices of Toronto. Withng Bates (Midnight at the Dragon
Café), Giller nominee Alissa York (Effigy), poet Molly
Peacock and playwrige Nolan. Location TBA.
- Festival of the Short Story - Luminato, in partnership with
the Toronto Public Library, presents a celebration of short
stories to be programmed in library branches across theth Elyse
Friedman (Long Story Short) and other authors TBA. Various Toronto
Public Library branches across the city.
- Mille Femmes - A monumental photo exhibition h artist Pierre
Maraval featuring portraits of 1,000 cremen from all fields
of the arts and culture in Toronto,ting the city's leaders and
future visionaries. Mille Femmes is part of a global series
developed by Maraval, who hopes to have created a tribute to
women of all races and cultures throughout the world by 2015.
Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place.
ILLUMINATIONS
- The Luminato Illuminations program is a series of lectures,
panels, public workshops and open houses intended to compld enrich
each Festival-goer's experience. The 2008 Illuminall offer further
insight into Festival themes such as fact and fiction, art outside
of traditional spaces, modern perspectives on South Asia and First
Nations, artists' responses to contemporary issues and the role
of dance in life.
- The 2008 Illuminations will take place at venues across the
city, throughout the Festival's 10 days.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Organically linked with the curatorial vision for the Festival,
Luminato Education and Outreach Programs engage and inspire students,
teachers and the community through participation in interactive
and inclusive encounters with the arts. In 2008, these programs
will feature performances and artist involvement from Rocket and
the Queen of Dreams, Sanctuary Song, anes and Friends, Mark Morris
Dance Group, StreetScape, The Political Graphic ovel and others.
Luminato's Education and Outreach programs are generously orted
by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
- Education Programs - The Festival's Education Programs support
the classroom curriculum while providing opportunities riential
learning through workshops, student performances, study guides
and Q&A sessions.
- Community Outreach - Luminato's Outreach Programsncreased accessibility
to the Festival through interactive programming and free public
events for youth, families and the broad community.
- Luminato Volunteers - Volunteers play a vital role in the success
of Luminato, acting as ambassadors and engaging with groughout
the Festival's 10 days. More than 500 volunteers were a part of
the inaugural Festival in 2007.
All programming is subject to change. Please visit luminato.com
for regular updates.
Tickets for selected Luminato events go on salil 2008.
Festival at a Glance
Openi Concert
Dancing
ck Watch
Mark Moce Group
All Fout Cavern
t Dances
Love Song Waltzes/New Love Song Wrand Duo
StreetScape - Citywide Wall Paihibition
Mik Trilogy
g Kansas
leveland
The Enematics
Opening Weekend
Funk Fest
Queen ebration
ScottisFestival
Liour Feet
Rocket and thef Dreams
ary Song
ShorFestival
Vanlayhouse
The EcsRita Joe
Whereod Mixes
Politicic Novel
Colour... For the End of Time (MProject)
Celebration of Isaacs Singer
A Midsumm's Dream
Marie Brassais Negin
e Femmes
Diaspora Dialogues: LaunK Book 3
Kronos Quartya Tagaq
Anderson
The Company
Cbstracts
Nowhere and Everywhere ame Time
Harbourfront Ceninat'eau
Luminato at the DisDistrict
Alberta Ballet & The National f Canada
Etudes
The Fidthe Drum
td detail
Spotlight on New Sou Writing
Dan Z Friends
Illuminations Series
ABOUT LUMINATO
For 10 extraordinary days in June, the vibrant city of Toronto's
stages, streets and public spaces are illuminated with arts and
creativity. Luminato is an annual multidisciplinary celebration
of theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, film, literature,
visual arts, nd more. For more information on both free and ticketed
Luminato events, ncluding dates, locations and schedules, visit
www.luminato.com.
Tickets will be available in April 2008 through all Ticketmaster
outlets (call 416-872-1111 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca)
Luminato gratefully acknowledges the generous support and vision
of its Founding Luminaries; corporate sponsors, particularly our
presenting sponsor, L'Oréal; our dedicated government partners,
especially the nment of Ontario; and oporters.
Founding Luminaries: The Founding Luminaries were amonstival's
first supporters. These visionary arts patrons and civic-builders
stepped forward to help found Luminato, and will be recognized for
their tment in perpetuity.
Founding Luminaries - Mohammad and Najla Al Zaibak, Charles and
Marilyn Baillie, Avie Bennett, Helen Burstyn and David Pecaut, Kate
Alexander Daniels and David Daniels, Joan T. Dea and Lionel F. Conacher,
Ian and Kiki Delaney, John Donald and Linda Chu, The Duboc Family
Foundation, Margaret and Jim Fleck, Linda Frum and Howard Sokolowski,
Kevin and Roger Garland, hony and Helen Graham, Lucille and Urban
Joseph, Michael and Sonja Koerner, etan and Clara Mathur, Judy and
Wil Matthews, Robert and Cheryl McEwen, Pierre L. Morrissette, Sandra
and Jim Pitblado, Jonas and Lynda Prince, Richard Rooney and Laura
Dinner, The Slaight Family, Marisa and Edward Sorbara, arry and
Judy Tanenbaum, and David and Robin Young. Founding Corporate Luminaries
- BMO Financial Group, Ivey Foundation, MacLaren McCann, Manulife
Financial, RBC, St. Joseph Communications, TELUS, and Toronto.
2008 Luminaries: Tony and Anne Arrell, The Ira Gld Maxine Granovsky
Gluskin Charitable Foundation, Joan and Jerry Lozinski, nd Nancy
Pencer.
2007 SuperNova Program Development Fund: Margaret and Jim Fleck,
Gretchen ld Ross.
Luminato 2008 Sponsors: L'Oréal, CTV, The Globe and Mail,
. Joseph Communications, Toronto Life, Toronto.
Government Partners: The Government of Ontario, The Trillium ndation.
This list represents commitments as of December 4, 2007. Additional
2008 sponsors, government partners, and individual donors will be
anshortly.
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