Metamorphosis
A Healing Journey
Metamorphosis
A Healing Journey
Theatrical Performance and Book Launch
In honour of Earth Week this past April, the Creatively United for the Planet Society, premiered Metamorphosis – A Healing Journey as both a live production and a richly illustrated coffee table book, featuring the poetry, images and stories of a number of the cast members who have a deep connection to planetary health and interpersonal well-being.
In recognition of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, we are now releasing this 35-minute video, containing highlights from the 1.5 hour live production.
While there is no substitute for live theatre, this video provides an introduction to the spoken expressions and heartfelt sentiments of those who shared their real life stories on stage under the direction of Monique Salez. Members of the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, with director Peter Butterfield, volunteered their beautiful and haunting voices, while Raino Dance students wove their artistic expression throughout the production.
The production was financially supported by the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund and the Community Grants Program administered by the Victoria Foundation.
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of Metamorphosis – A Healing Journey and for those who continue to purchase the book as gifts for themselves and others.
“The healing power for the Planet and ourselves is unstoppable and will be realized
through its conscious revelation which is nascent within all of us.”
– Jonathan O’Riordan, Climate and the Arts
Cast/Contributors
Shannon Alfred is Namgisan from Alert Bay and the Whonnock Family. She is guided by her ancestors to be of service in using the traditional teachings of Hemlock brushing and healing.
Sam Baardman is a multi-disciplinary artist living in Winnipeg, Canada who integrates songwriting/singing, photography and video to portray the fragile relationship between humans and their habitats.
Krystal Cook is a Kwakwaka’wakw Woman from the Namgis First Nation of Alert Bay, B.C. She is a graduate of the En’owkin International School of Writing (UVIC) and the Centre for Indigenous Theatre’s Native Theatre School Program. She is a theatre artist, facilitator, poet, educator, cultural consultant and Mother.
HawLii is Anishinaabek of Wauzhushk Onigum, a language learner, agitator, multidisciplinary artist, and student of interdisciplinary studies at the University of Victoria. Kwe has been living on unceded lək̓wəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories for three years.
Frances Litman is a creative problem solver and multi-media professional. Her love of the outdoors and concern about environmental degradation and climate change has set her on a path to create healthier, happier communities rooted in regenerative decision making.
Émric Yves Lorenzini – “I am wild, crazy, love nature and dried mangoes.”
Jonathan O’Riordan was a former Assistant Deputy Minister of the BC Ministry of Environment (1989-2001); and Deputy Minister of the BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (2001-2004). He has extensive experience in drafting legislation relating to water and drafted Provincial government policies supporting zero waste management through Integrated Resource Management and carbon reduction and recycling.
Monique Salez is a first generation Canadian of mixed descent, displaced European peoples born and raised in Kwanlin Dün First Nations (Whitehorse, Yukon). She is the Creative Director/owner of Raino Dance and a gifted storyweaver, choreographer, director and performing artist.
Robert Sandford is the author of more than 37 books and is the Senior Government Relations Liaison for Global Climate Emergency Response at the United Nations Institute for Water, Environment, and Health. He translates scientific research outcomes into language decision-makers can use to craft timely and meaningful public policy and to bring international examples to bear on local water issues.
Alex Taylor-McCallum is a Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuu-Cha-Nulth artist, muralist, lyricist, M.C. @pin.dee.in, writer, drummer, singer, performer, father and cook.
