Aug 20 2019
The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers are proud to present the world premiere Dancing on Eggshells: The Making of Ancestors & Elders at Metro Cinema on Tuesday, September 17 at 7 pm.
The documentary explores the creation of Shumka’s 2018/19 work Ancestors & Elders, a historic union of Cree and Ukrainian culture featuring Shumka and the Running Thunder Dancers and Drummers. Following Shumka choreographer Joseph Hoffman and indigenous theatre artist Barry Bilinsky, the film examines the unlikely pair’s creative process as they navigate the difficulties of uniting their respective stories, while dancing around 150 years of cultural baggage. The film offers a glimpse into the artistic process of creating a work that is reflective and respectful of both Cree and Ukrainian culture, all while honouring the traditions of our ancestors with an eye to the path ahead.
The presentation features a full performance of Ancestors & Elders, a dance production telling the story of the first Ukrainian settlers in Alberta and their relationship with the Indigenous people of Treaty 6 territory they encountered. The work features Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and the renowned Running Thunder Cree Dancers and Drummers, both based in Edmonton.
Dancing on Eggshells is directed by Edmonton filmmakers Leslie Sereda and Steven Glassman. A Shumka alumnist and current Senior Creative Director, Sereda is the principal owner of Blue Toque Productions, an Edmonton-based media firm specializing in storytelling through documentaries. Glassman produced numerous projects for CBC over 30-plus years, and currently is a consulting executive entertainment producer specializing in media production.
Tickets are available at the Metro Cinema box office. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.metrocinema.org.
This project was made possible with the support of the Edmonton Heritage Council and Telus.
“Dancing on Eggshells – The Making of Ancestors & Elders” is available for free on demand on TELUS Optik TV.
