Philip Geller: who will save the night sky?
Schedule
Sun Nov 09 2025 at 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space | Peterborough, ON
About this Event
Presented by Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space & Public Energy Performing Arts
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue
60 minute performance followed by a post-show reception
Allow me to take you on a celestial journey to a big board room in the sky. Plleeeaaassee, allow me to whisk my tail and weave you a tale on the tell tale signs of a GOOD STORY! A long time ago, in the future, an important group of star beings got together to discuss the fate of earth and the two-leggeds… and the party begins!
Blending bouffon, clown, storytelling, and spectacle, who will save the night sky? is an interactive solo performance reminding us of the importance of our relationship to the stars and sky world.
Photo: Kate Dalton
ABOUT PHILIP GELLER
Philip Jonah Logan Geller (they/them) is Jewish (Ashkenazi) and Red River Michif (Métis) with Logan, Dupuis, Vandal ancestors, and roots to the historic Métis community of Rooster Town. Philip is currently based in Winnipeg/Wînipêk (Treaty 1).
They are a theatre/performance artist, educator, and scholar who is focused on decolonizing their process by listening to and dialoguing with ancestral and cultural knowledge. Their practice includes trickster methodologies, land-based creation, circular storytelling, and destabilizing hierarchical power structures in the rehearsal process, with a focus on anti-oppressive/anti-racist modalities. They are a SSHRC funded Master of Fine Arts Directing graduate from York University, a top 30 under 30 York University Alumni, and a Ken McDougall Award recipient for promising emerging director. Philip is currently the Associate Producer for #ReconcileThis at the National Arts Centre and Co-Artistic Producer for Kiyanaan Indigenous Theatre Festival in Winnipeg, MB. They are creating new works in residency at The Theatre Centre and Theatre Passe Muraille.
As a storyteller they have worked across Turtle Island as an actor, director, dramaturg, producer, clown, creator, and community worker with companies and festivals including Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Native Earth Performing Arts, Indigenous Arts Knowledge Exchange, Stratford Festival, Theatre YES, Gwaandak Theatre, Toronto Metropolitan University, Centre for Indigenous Theatre, Made in Exile, Citadel Theatre, Nextfest, Play the Fool Festival, Edmonton Fringe Festival, and Paprika Theatre Festival. They are a graduate of the BFA Acting Program at the University of Alberta. Although, more importantly, they learn from all the incredible relations – human and more than human – they have the fortune of visiting with.
WHERE IS NOZHEM?
Nozhem is located on the Eastern side of the river at Trent University.
The theatre is 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.
Where is it happening?
Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space, 1 Gzowski Way, Peterborough, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 28.25
