FREQUENCY in Residence at the Citadel

This past weekend tiger princess dance projects invaded the new theatre at the Citadel for a residency of Frequency. How exciting to step into the newly renovated theatre with it’s vast space and backdrop of rich red exposed brick. I love that we have the fresh energy of a new art space in the city.

Rebecca Picherack, Simon Rossiter, Joanna Yu and Yvonne had transformed the space. The stunning sculptures (some Rebecca had crocheted herself!) and lighting installations brought me back to some of the magical environments in Yvonne’s past work, especially for Nuit Blanche at the Cecil B. Community Centre. Rebecca, Simon, Joanna and Yvonne spent the weekend playing and experimenting alongside Jacob Niedzweiki who used the time to try out video and projection ideas in the space and with the dancers.

Having the chance to be a part of this process, both inside and watching from outside, reminded me of the amazing possibilities of collaboration; how what is created is always a mysterious thing conjured up from the energy, ideas and feedback of many bouncing back and forth between each other, and how that thing could never be created alone.

It was also so great to be there watching the visual artists doing their thing. It’s easy to get into a dance bubble, working on and perfecting the movements of the piece, but humbling to remember the huge other parts of the puzzle. The opportunity to make these discoveries in the performance space is so important and I so wish these technical residencies were a given in every process.

This weekend reignited my excitement for Frequency. It’s been a long time in the making and wants to be shared. We’re almost there! March 7th – 11th: mark it on your calendars!

Mairéad