Theatre Passe Muraille (TPM) wraps up their latest productions, May I Take Your Arm? and Ephemeral Artifacts aim to explore how we can share experiences and art when having to be apart. TPM’s artistic director, Marjorie Chan, describe these works as creating “intimate and engaging spaces for dialogue, empathy and connection.”
May I Take Your Arm? follows Blind theatre artist Alex Bulmer as she is introduced to eight neighbourhood storytellers in St Jamestown/Cabbagetown. This show grew out of a seed of curiosity and need, when Bulmer had moved to a new apartment in the neighbourhood. Co-creators of the show Anna Camilleri and Tristan R. Whiston, had lived and worked in the neighbourhood for over 15 years — and this collaboration became the root of the project.
This version of the show is re-imagined into a 7-part multidisciplinary follow-at-home experience. A purpose built website (designed by Wy Joung Kou), will act as a navigation map for audiences to experience the work in their own homes, in their own time and pace.
One feature of the show includes a series of limited edition accordion books designed by Anna Camilleri, hand-made using stitch work, paper weaving and cutting, and wild crafted botanical dyes. These limited-edition books, which will be mailed, are a tactile accompaniment to experience the show. A number of the books will be reserved to prioritize access for low-vision and Blind community members.
Photo of Tristan R. Whiston & Alex Bulmer by Hoffworks
Ephemeral Artifacts is a repertoire work by Anandam Dancetheatre. In this updated version by Travis Knights and Brandy Leary have created an installation to remind us of our collectivity, complex narratives, and human connection — integrating 4 channel video, light, and sound.
The TPM building will come alive with sound and movement as Tap Dancer, Travis Knights, channels rhythms passed down from those who came before him. Ephemeral Artifacts is a reflection on those we lost, and an act of re-membering them in a way that acknowledges the indelible marks they left behind. The TPM building will turn into an outdoor installation, illuminated every night from June 24-26.
Since Epheremal Artifacts is an installation to be viewed outside, please be mindful to keep safe distances and follow public health & safety protocols as dictated by the province of Ontario.
Photo of Travis Knights by Robert Kingsbury
Ticketing and Additional Information
May I Take Your Arm? aims to expand the possibilities of how we experience and access art in our communities. The piece will be presented in a variety of formats online, in addition to the following access options: captioning, text transcripts, audio recordings, and a Visual Story to guide you through the experience.
ASL Deaf Interpretation is available for Ephemeral Artifacts via the audience’s smartphones. The installation will be accessible to Deaf audiences thanks to the Arts Response Initiative from the Ontario Arts Council.
Access to both projects is free and does not require a ticket. A limited number of 150 handmade May I Take Your Arm? tactile books will be available for a Pay-What-You-Can-Afford (PWYC) price of $5, $25 and $50.
For ticketing and all other information, please visit passemuraille.ca.
