The Man Who Carries Dawn - a dance-theatre production
Produced by REAson d’être dance
DESCRIPTION
The Man Who Carries Dawn is a 35-minute dance-theatre work exploring depression, friendship, and the quiet, radical act of carrying light for another.
Featuring disability dance artist Frank Hull, who performs in his wheelchair, alongside Adrian Chuquipiondo, the work portrays a man caught in sleeplessness and emotional isolation. In the darkness before morning, he struggles alone — until an unexpected companion enters. Through movement, presence, and shared humanity, this new friend helps him “carry the dawn,” making another day possible.
DANCERS AND CO-CREATORS
Frank Hull
Adrian Chuquipiondo
CHOREOGRPAHY
Choreography by Kathleen Rea draws from contact improvisation and integrated dance practices, centering interdependence rather than independence. The physical dialogue between Hull and Chuquipiondo reveals vulnerability, weight-sharing, resilience, and trust — offering an embodied portrait of how connection can interrupt despair.
MUSIC
Live music by Tamara Williamson deepens the emotional landscape of the work through composition and performance, underscoring the journey from night toward light.
DETAILS
Length: 35 minutes
Followed by: Meet-the-artists discussion
Format: Relaxed performance
LOCATION
Betty Oliphant Theatre
404 Jarvis Street
Toronto, Ontario
TIME:
1:00 pm TO 1:50 pm
RELAXED PERFORMANCE
This is a relaxed, daytime presentation. By offering the performance at lunchtime and keeping the work concise, REAson d’être dance aims to increase accessibility for audience members who may find evening performances or longer durations difficult to attend. The format supports disabled audience members, elders, and those managing health conditions, fatigue, or sensory sensitivities.
ACCESS INFO
The production is non-verbal (no spoken text).
ASL interpretation will not be available for the post-show discussion.
The theatre is accessible via a ramp at the main entrance.
Wheelchair seating and companion seating are available in the front row.
A wheelchair-accessible washroom is located off the main lobby.
An additional barrier-free washroom is available in the lobby.
For more information about accessibility at the venue and the production, please contact:
kathleen.rea@reasondetre.com
SUPPORT THE PRODUCTION
Donations to help support The Man Who Carries Dawn can be made at:
GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-the-man-who-carries-dawn-get-on-stage
Canada Helps:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/reason-detre-dance-productions/campaign/the-man-who-carries-dawn/
Your support helps make accessible, disability-centered performance possible.
