2020-2021
Scotiabank Dance Centre
Vancouver, BC

Debris is the evolution of the research done with Debris Afloat in 2018 and 2019. 

Debris is a group contemporary dance work inspired by the increasing urgency of plastic pollution and its contribution to the current climate crisis. As we buckle under the weight of the accumulation of plastic and man-made waste, Debris asks where is the body (humanity) and nature within this? In this collaborative work, 5 dancers will physically explore the effects of ‘debris’ that submerge both their internal and external environment. Embracing the functionality of plastic, the strangely beautiful qualities of the material, and its invasive and destructive legacy, the dancers, through movement, voice and the material of plastic and found trash, will excavate their inner worlds to untangle the body. The work seeks for a hopeful re-integration of a respectful relationship between nature, the body and each other. A global as well as local issue, climate change affects everyone, everywhere, and is an issue that must be explored by multiple voices, and particularly informed by the stewards of these lands whose ways of life have been hugely impacted by climate change.

This project being rooted in the Greater Vancouver Area, we will hear an Indigenous perspective of the issue of pollution and climate change, and open a dialogue with First Nations communities to have their views and intakes on the matter. For the last 100 years, Indigenous people have seen their territories change drastically, and we feel lucky to be given the opportunity to benefit from Elders’ wisdom on the subject to nourish the reflection at the base of our dancers’ creative process. As Kinesis begins to make a concerted effort in building relationships with our Indigenous communities, we are excited to begin this with Cultural-carriers Elder Latash Maurice Nahanee, from the Squamish Nation, and Elder Shane Pointe, from the Musqueam Nation, whom have agreed to share stories and views during an online discussion with Paras and our dancers. 

With this project Kinesis Dance Somatheatro wants to open a dialogue and a thread of thoughts on the impact of pollution, to embody knowledge, envision possibilities, catalyze emotion and inspire action. For the issue of climate change to be addressed, the society needs to change and transition from a culture of consumerism to a culture of stewardship. 

A big thank you to Latash and Uncle for e-meeting with our creative team. What a nurturing and inspiring conversation, what a honor it has been to listen to you both!