Continuance: Yonkwa’nikonhrakontáhkwen – Our Consciousness Continues Unchanged

Continuance is the state of remaining in existence.

This powerful performance has been released by National Arts Centre for public viewing.

Watch the Performance on the National Art Centre website here now

Continuance as a Grand Act is an embodiment of resilience. A celebration of Indigenous continuance the drive-in theatre shines light, 3D mapping on the dark oppressiveness of the Mohawk Institute Residential School.

With an immersive interplay with live intergenerational Haudenosaunee performers, the new media incorporates ancient-future imagery illuminating that the 142-year history of the school did not destroy cultural perpetuity. Disintegrating the facade of the school into images portraying cultural strength, beauty and iconic Haudenosaunee imagery. Coded within our iconographies are meaningful ways to live in the world with balanced harmony.

Continuance was performed for a live audience on site here at Woodland Cultural Centre on Saturday, October 3, 2020 in Six Nations, ON.

Watch the introduction here.

Presented by National Arts Centre English Theatre’s

#grandactsoftheatre

Watch more Grand Acts of Theatre here: https://c.nac.ca/37o17TZ

Supported by RBC and The Jenepher Hooper Fund for Theatre.

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Presentation Partner: Woodland Cultural Centre

Creative Producer, Director, Performer: Santee Smith

Production: Kaha:wi Dance Theatre

Performers: Julianne Blackbird, Ascension Harjo, Raelyn Metcalfe, Montana Summers

3D Mapping Design: AVA – Animation & Visual Arts: Emma Lopez and Pedro Narvaez, Co-Directors

Lighting and Staging Design: Lindy Kinoshameg

Cinematographer, Editor: Jon Elliott

Score Composition, Arrangement: Adrian Dion Harjo

Songwriters/Singers: Jennifer Kreisberg, Semiah Smith

Singers: Ascension Harjo, Lindyn Hill, Biine Kwe Elijah, Blayze Longboat, Imani Mitten, Santee Smith

Opening Address and Singer: Biine Kwe Elijah

Green Screen Videographer: Thru The Red Door – Shane Powless

Costume Designer: Adriana Fulop

Production Stage Manager: Candace Scott Moore

Advisor: Roberta Hill

Kanienʼkéha Translator: Tehahenteh Miller

Production Stage Manager Mentee: Donika Stonefish