Severe Clear
Severe Clear was inspired by my experience on the Yukon Journey Project, a life-changing wilderness journey in the Canadian north. The dance is a series of vignettes that mirror actual events on the journey, many of which express a sense of wonder and joy in community. Phil Strong, with whom I collaborated on nine full-length works and a short film, created a brilliant soundscape using audio captured on the YJP.
Premiered Toronto, October 31, 2000
Created with and first performed by Lara Barclay, Valerie Calam, Christopher T. Grider, Sasha Ivanochko, Brendan Jensen, Kristy Kennedy, Matthew Kwasnicki, Louis Laberge-Côté, Sean Ling, Robin McPhail, Jessica Runge and William Yong
Sound Design
Phil Strong
Lighting
Roelof Peter Snippe
Set Design
James Robertson
Costumes
Anna Michener and James Robertson
Rehearsal direction
Rosemary James
"Move over, Lawren Harris. There's a new poet of the Canadian North, and his vision of the hard, icy landscape turns the gospel as written by the Group of Seven completely on its head."
Globe and Mail
"...a new poet of the Canadian north... the sure-handed balance of the diverse theatrical elements as well as the explosive dancing style of the twelve performers contributes to the overall sense that this is a masterful achievement...See it and weep for the joy."
Globe and Mail
"One of the great pieces of Canadian contemporary dance, a lyrical joy from start to finish."
Classical 96 FM
Photos of Jessica Runge and of the TDT company by Cylla von Tiedemann