BackTo Artword 2003-2004 season list

		At Artword Theatre mainspace, 75 Portland Street February 26 to March 14, 2004 Native Earth Performing Arts presents The Artshow by Alanis King directed by Paul Thompson designed by Bonnie Devine a play about the renowned Odawa artist Daphne Odjig performed by Jani Lauzon as Daphne with Lorne Cardinal, Sean Dixon, Gloria Mae Eshkibok, Sarah Podemski Wed - Thurs, $17, 8 pm Friday - Saturday, $22, 8 pm Sunday, PWYC, 2:30 pm The Artshow runs 90 minutes with no intermission To reserve call the St. Lawrence Centre Ticket Line 416-366-7723 x 290 or book at StL online:
	The Artshow tells the story of Daphne Odjig through the imagining of the creative life of the renowned Odawa artist. The very pigments she works with come alive when they assemble themselves into the paintings as she creates them. Populated by demi-gods and artists - Norval Morrisseau and Pablo Picasso both play parts in her life and work - the action moves from Canada to Europe to the holy land to the spirit world. With Ms. Odjig's support and blessing, Native Earth is honoured with this opportunity to celebrate her life and work. Distinguished by her expressive and lyric use of the formline and cubist elements, Odjig's work contributed to many of the milestone exhibitions of contemporary Native art throughout the 70's and 80's. Playwright and former Native Earth Artistic Director Alanis King recreates Odjig's world, reflecting the "brilliance of artistry and of being original with childhood roots." Director Paul Thompson (Maggie and Pierre, The Farm Show) says that "the text is a framework to hang the visuals on." Visual artist Bonnie Devine weaves her set and costumes together to evoke both the process and the work before the audience's eyes. The talented cast stars Jani Lauzon (The Scrubbing Project, Tales From the Longhouse) as Daphne, with Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas, Insomnia), Michelle St. John (Where the Spirit Sings, The Business of Fancydancing), Gloria Mae Eshkibok (Dance Me Outside, The Rez Sisters) and Sean Dixon (Falling Back Home, The End of the World Romance). Choreography is by former Native Earth Co-Artistic Director Alejandro Ronceria, Music and Sound design by composer Jack Nicholsen and the Lights are designed by David Sweeney. Daphne Odjig is the recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and is a Member of the Order of Canada. She has also received many honorary degrees from a number of universities. Ms. Odjig continues to serve as an inspiration and role model for young Native artists in part because she is a Canadian woman who has succeeded in the largely male-dominated world of successful painters.