Heryka Miranda & Norma Araiza: New Works

Presented by Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space & Public Energy Performing Arts

“Norma Araiza and Heryka Miranda are old friends of Nozhem: strong female Indigenous performing artists who bring deep practices of connection to cultural roots, earth, and land. They both dance with fluidity between beings. We look forward to seeing these new works!”

-Jenn Cole, Artistic Director,

Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space

WHERE IS NOZHEM?

Nozhem is located at the very west end of Trent University's Gzowski College building (the side of the building closest to the River). Gzowski's address is 1 Gzowski Way, Peterborough.

For more detailed instructions on accessing the theatre please consult our Nozhem venue guide

ABOUT NOZHEM

NOZHEM is the Ojibwe word, which denotes the female bear. We’ve chosen this animal to represent our space because she embodies the characteristics of transformation, balance and knowledge, which are essential components of Indigenous way of knowing.

NOZHEM is very close to the earth, and therefore she knows the plants and their medicine properties. She’s the one animal that fasts all winter, thus in that way, she undergoes a transformation. She gives birth and in doing so, in bringing forth new life, she achieves a sense of balance. She’s very protective of her young and in this way, very similar to the human being. Because of her knowledge of medicine plants her physical and spiritual strength and her resilience, she is respected as a healing spirit in our community.

In theatre there is transformation which takes place as actors take on specific roles, but there is another transformation which occurs within the individual actor as they find their own healing through their personal creative expression. There is also healing for the audience as they empathize greater awareness of the human condition and the situations of others in society. Thus it is fitting for our Indigenous performance space to honour that spirit of the bear with her name NOZHEM.

- Edna Manitowabi

ABOUT INDIGENOUS PERFORMANCE INITIATIVES:

Programming in Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space is overseen by a circle collective, Indigenous Performance Initiatives. Founded in 2004, Indigenous Performance Initiatives (IPI) collective members include: Marrie Mumford (Métis Chippewa Cree); Elizabeth Osawamick (Anishinaabe); Elder Shirley Ida Williams (Anishinaabe); Paula Sherman (Ardoch/Algonquin); William Kingfisher (Anishinaabe, Rama First Nation); Kerry Bebee (Michi Saagig Anishinaabe); and Jenn Cole (mixed-ancestry Algonquin Anishinaabe).

ABOUT PUBLIC ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS

Public Energy Performing Arts supports the creation, touring, and presentation of innovative contemporary performing arts. Based in Peterborough, Ontario, we present a season of contemporary theatre, dance, and interdisciplinary performance, while building community through outreach programming and developing audiences that are knowledgeable and passionate. Through our programs, which include presentations, residencies, commissions, mentorships, and professional workshops and classes, we provide artists with a safe and supportive environment to create and perform new work and interact with a broad public.

Photo: Heryka Miranda

Host or Publisher Public Energy