The Man Who Carries Dawn - a dance-theatre production
Produced by REAson d’être dance
PRESS RELEASE
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/899879385/reason-d-etre-dance-presents-the-man-who-carries-dawn-a-mixed-ability-production-at-toronto-s-betty-oliphant-theatre
BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
https://vimeo.com/1175783773?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
TRAILER
https://vimeo.com/1173442433?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
DESCRIPTION
The Man Who Carries Dawn is a 30-minute dance-theatre work exploring depression, friendship, and the quiet, radical act of carrying light for another.
Featuring 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: 25 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
COST:
$80 Donor Ticket ($50 Charitable tax reciept)
$30 Regular
Free to $25 Sliding Scale
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.
ARE YOU GOING TO THE ONTARIO REGIONAL CONTACT JAM?
The Ontario Regional Contact jam is occurring on the same weekend one building away. The show is during their Saturday lunch time and is an alleyway away. So, eat your lunch and then come on over to see the show.
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
ARTISTS BIOGRAPHIES
Dancer and Co-creator
Frank Hull who dances using a power wheelchair embraces his Mi’kmaq heritage and queer identity, creating works that transform “deviant” bodies into sources of beauty. His multidisciplinary practice spans dance, theatre, music, and media arts. Recent projects include Access Me, the Rolling Dance Chair Project, and the documentary "Own Kind of Beautiful".
Dancer and Co-creator
Adrian Chuquipiondo Trained in contemporary dance and theatre, Adrian has performed internationally and collaborates with REAson d’etre dance, exploring Axis Syllabus and contact improvisation. He is drawn to crafting stories that invite audiences into the poetry of movement.
Live Music Performance and Composition
Tamara Williamson – Williamson’s live music underscores the emotional arc of the work. A veteran of the Canadian independent music scene, she has released over ten albums, toured internationally, and collaborated with artists such as King Cobb Steelie and Do Make Say Think.
Kathleen Rea Choreographer and director
Kathleen has created over 50 works and received seven DORA nominations. A published author (The Healing Dance), she brings 27 years of contact improvisation experience and expertise in Axis Syllabus to her performances and teaching. She is the director of REAson d’etre dance productions, producing dance jams, film festivals, and performance works.
SUPPORTED BY:
Toronto Arts Council
Ontario Arts Council
Ontario Government
Canadian Heritage Foundation
Donors
SUPPORT THE PRODUCTION
Donations to help support The Man Who Carries Dawn can be made at:
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.
