Performed naked and in silence, the logistical and emotional complexities inherent in an adult triad are the central themes of Heaven. Through the dancers’ detailed, muscular and deeply fulfilled performances, Heaven is an exposition of the human being in virtuosic action.
Premiered in Toronto in 2006, produced by DanceWorks. Subsequent performances included the IETM Montréal Plenary Meeting (Montréal, QC, May 2007); Festival Quartiers Danse (Montréal, QC, September 15, 2007); Canada Dance Festival (Ottawa, ON, June 13, 2008); International Theatre Festival (Dominican Republic, June 22, 2009); Connect TO (Toronto, ON, January 13, 2011); Rachel Browne Theatre (Winnipeg, MB, January 27–29, 2011); New Dance Horizons (Regina, SK, March 17–18, 2011); Betty Oliphant Theatre (Toronto, ON, April 1, 2011); and Dancers’ Studio West (Calgary, AB, March 30–31, 2012).
“…quite clearly sixty minutes of ecstasy for the performers onstage and for the audience privy to the work.”– Geraldine Anderson, The Medium Online
“…a work of a mature and assured dance smith.”– Paula Citron, Globe and Mail
“…the piece is pure movement invention, unmediated by most of the theatrical accoutrements…”– Michael Crabb, National Post
choreographer Sasha Ivanochko
performers over the years Sasha Ivanochko, Louis Laberge-Côté, Matthew Waldie, Brodie Stevenson, Brendan Wyatt and Michael Caldwell
lighting design Geoff Bouckley
rehearsal director Susie Burpee