An Esie Mensah Film – Streaming free across Canada as of June 1, 2021
A national initiative conceptualized by Dora-nominated choreographer and creator Esie Mensah (Shades, A Revolution of Love), TESSEL explores the complexities of movement and voice as a form of resilience – and to achieve truth and honesty in sharing its participants’ lived experience as Black dance artists. Premiering across the country on the one-year anniversary of Blackout Tuesday (June 1) – a day when organizations worldwide publicly expressed their commitment towards institutional change to support the Black community – the film aims to amplify Black voices by providing a platform for the artists to share their truths. TESSEL explores the complexities of movement and voice as a form of resilience – and to achieve truth and honesty in sharing its participants’ lived experience as Black dance artists. Agora de la danse is honoured to be supporting and co-presenting TESSEL along with a network of 21 Canadian performing arts organizations.
TESSEL is available for streaming FREE in Canada only by visiting: tessel.film
World premiere: June 1, 2021
Gratuit
Concep & Direction Esie Mensah
Eugene “GeNie” Baffoe, Winnipeg (Hip Hop)
Livona Ellis, Vancouver (Ballet)
Kevin Fraser, Vancouver (Contemporary, Experimental, Interdisciplinary Arts)
Alexandra “Spicey” Landé, Montréal (Street Dance)
Gabrielle Martin, Vancouver (Contemporary, Aerial circus/acrobatics)
Esie Mensah, Toronto (Afrofusion)
Raoul Pillay, Toronto (Jazz, House, Hip Hop)
Natasha Powell, Toronto (Jazz)
Liliona Quarmyne, Halifax (African, Contemporary)
Lua Shayenne, Toronto (West African, Contemporary)
Crazy Smooth, Ottawa (Streetdance)
Ronald A. Taylor, Toronto (Contemporary, Afro Caribbean)
Lisa La Touche, Calgary (Tap)
Ravyn Wngz, Toronto (Burlesque, Waacking, Vogue, Contemporary)
The creative team includes: Wayne Burns, Producer; Sonya Mwambu, Editor; Samson Bonkeabantu Brown, Spiritual Advisor; Meg Roe, Sound Designer; Kobena Aquaa-Harrison, Composer; Kwasi Obeng, Assistant Director; and Nicole Hamilton, Facilitator.
A Fall for Dance North and Harbourfront Centre production
Co-presentation Agora de la danse, Canadian Stage, Citadel + Compagnie, Danse Danse, Live Art Dance, National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts, Ontario Presents, TO Live, Vancouver International Dance Festival.
With the support of dance Immersion, BC Movement Arts Society, The CanDance Network / Le réseau CanDanse, Crimson Coast Dance, dance: made in canada/fait au canada Festival, DanceWorks, Dusk Dances, Guelph Dance, Public Energy Performing Arts, PuSh Festival
Esie Mensah
