what are we saying

In an open space filled with chairs, a group of seven performers start a conversation. They begin by listening. Representing nothing but themselves, their words and actions gradually approach a unison of movement and vocal expression where every decision is a group decision but no one knows what’s going to happen next.

For the performers, uncertainty is both the figure and the ground of their pursuit–to express how things are and how they want them to be different. Asking seriously whether being together is possible, what we are saying illuminates the radical possibility of a leaderless togetherness.

Concept and Instigation: Ame Henderson

Created in collaboration with: Marina Colomina, Frank Cox-O’Connell, Katie Ewald, Mairéad Filgate, Sherri Hay, sandra Henderson, Brendan Jensen, Benjamin Kamino, Alexander McSween, Liz Peterson, Bojana Stancic and Stephen Thompson

Performers: Frank Cox-O’Connell, Ishan Davé, Katie Ewald, Peter Fernandes, Mairéad Filgate, Sherri Hay, Ame Henderson, Brendan Jensen, Liz Peterson, Bojana Stancic, Stephen Thompson and Evan Webber

Scenography: Sherri Hay and Bojana Stancic
Sound Design: Alexander MacSween
Production Management and Rehearsal Direction: sandra Henderson
Lighting Concept: Kim Purtell
Technical Implementation: Nick Rose

Produced by Public Recordings
Co-production: Dance4, Festival TransAmériques and Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage in association with The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

Developed in residency at Dance4 (Nottingham), OBORO (Montreal) and Gallery TPW (Toronto)

Support: Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council,

Premiere May 2013 The PowerPlant, Toronto

Photo: Jeremy McCormick, Ömer K. Yükseker; colleges by Pony