This performance is part of the Vancouver Biennale 2012 BIG IDEAS Performance Series.

“The Legacy” is a theatrical response to Walking Figures (Magdalena Abakanowicz), by students from Chaffey-Burke Elementary. The beginning of the project had a focus on theatrical process, developing skills and learning the physical vocabulary of live theatre. Exercises and games were chosen to compliment and focus on themes that students identified during a visit to the site. Common responses included themes of individuality, nationalism, blind obedience, dissent, and group dynamics, particularly in the context of sport and war. Other responses were less common and more individualistic, yet struck a chord with the group, such as loneliness, and the fall of an ancient civilization. In the next phase of the project, we moved towards “ends-based” work, developing the story and script, suggesting storylines based on the previous phase. The final phase was full production, and with the students we devised and rehearsed the play. Join us as we travel back to a simple time, an abundant land. Welcome to Casania!

Performed on Monday, April 23 at the Biennale sculpture site, The Walking Figures at Canada Line City Hall Station.