Skip to main content
News

Citadel + Compagnie brings archives to life in 10-week series Citadel Online

May 11, 2020 Sébastien Provencher in silhouette in front of video image in Darryl Hoskins' Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh

A live weekly celebration of the work of the incredible artists that have graced the stage of The Citadel, running April 28 – June 30, 2020.

TORONTO, ON – Citadel + Compagnie is thrilled to announce its newest initiative Citadel Online, a 10-week online performing arts series that looks back at some of the wonderful works that have taken place at The Citadel over the years, with new works released every Tuesday at 2PM EDT between April 28 – June 30, 2020.

Highlighting both previously presented Bright Nights artists and Citadel + Compagnie repertoire, on May 12, 2020, Citadel Online will shine a light on the company work Les Paradis Perdus / Remix by Artistic Director, Laurence Lemieux.

Inspired by childhood memories both fond and fearsome, Les Paradis Perdus / Remix was originally scheduled to be presented at The Citadel May 14-16 & 20-23, 2020, and was to be performed by Lemieux’s children, dancers Jimmy and Juliette Coleman. Citadel Online will share footage from the company’s 2015 production and bring this charming work to audiences in the wake of its spring COVID-19 cancellation.

“I am truly excited to share Les Paradis Perdus / Remix through our newest platform, Citadel Online,” says Lemieux. “Though it is with sadness we will not see this work presented onstage, it has allowed for a wonderful opportunity to reflect. In addition to the performance footage, we will be sharing special insights on the creative process through interviews with composer Christopher Butterfield and dancers Luke Garwood and Erin Poole.”

On May 26, 2020, Citadel Online will make available a second piece of Citadel + Compagnie repertoire, Malcolm by resident choreographer James Kudelka. Touted as “a big, bold, bright idea,” by critic Deirdre Kelly, the work is performed by Kudelka with puppet Malcolm and touches on themes of love, loss and grief.

Citadel Online has been developed as a response to our current state of isolation due to the global pandemic, and the footage shared is archival. Nothing can replace the power of live performance. It is its ‘liveness’ that defines it. Live performance is what we do, how we engage and how we communicate. It allows for a visceral experience; a human experience; it allows for empathy.

But in this time of social distancing, when theatres are dark, we are all apart and we are turning to our screens for connection, we hope that this series may serve as a reminder of the grace, beauty and humanity that dance can uniquely offer.

Watch the special series announcement from Artistic Director, Laurence Lemieux.

Citadel Online

April 28 – June 30, 2020

New work released every Tuesday at 2PM EDT

Choreographers: Naishi Wang, Sabina Perry, Laurence Lemieux, Sarah Chase, James Kudelka, Allison Cummings, Serge Bennathan, Jane Alison McKinney, Heidi Strauss, Penny Couchie

Presented by Citadel + Compagnie

“It’s hard to remember a time when the Citadel was not a part of the dance life of Toronto.”

– Paula Citron

Series Lineup

April 28, 2020: Taking Breath by Naishi Wang

May 5, 2020: FUNNY/FUNERAL by Sabina Perry

May 12, 2020: Les Paradis Perdus / Remix by Laurence Lemieux

May 19, 2020: unmoored choreography/direction Sarah Chase, text/performance Peggy Baker

May 26, 2020: Malcolm by James Kudelka

June 2, 2020: As she shall obtain such command of her mass vein passageways by Allison Cummings

June 9, 2020: Just Words by Serge Bennathan

June 16, 2020: There she was by Jane Alison McKinney

June 23, 2020: baseline by Heidi Strauss

June 30, 2020: Serpent People by Penny Couchie