YPT Presents A STORY BEFORE TIME, Now thru 10/24

Young People's Theatre presents A Story Before Time, a powerful First Nations story from Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, written by Drew Hayden Taylor and created by Santee Smith. On the Mainstage from tonight, October 16-24.

Original music, dance and theatre unite to bring this entertaining and insightful Onkwehonwe (First Nation) Creation Story to life. The exquisite musical score blends traditional songs with contemporary music, incorporating both Mohawk and Cayuga languages. A Story Before Time carries the metaphors, symbols, dreams and beliefs of a people, weaving a rich and powerful cultural narrative.

Artistic Direction and Choreography: Santee Smith. Featuring: Sarain Carson-Fox, Zhenya Cerneacov, Michael Demski,Semiah Kaha:wi Smith, Louis Laberge-Côté, Emily Law.

Original Set/Costume Designer: Linda Leon; Original Lighting Designer: Harry Frehner; Remount Lighting Designer: Alaina Perttula; Additional Costume Design: Elaine Redding; Composer: Donald Quan; Musicians: Bob Doidge, Rick Shadrach Lazar,David R. Maracle; Singer/Songwriters: Elizabeth Hill, David R. Maracle, Santee Smith, Amos Key Jr.; Singers: Faron Johns,Semiah Smith, Ol'Mush Singers; Stage Manager: Alaina Perttula.

About Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (KDT): KDT is one of Canada's leading contemporary dance companies, recognized for its seamless fusing of indigenous and contemporary dance into a compelling signature choreographic vision. Internationally renowned for artistic excellence, innovation and collaboration, KDT electrifies audiences from Canada and around the globe. KDT was founded by Artistic Director Santee Smith, a leading Canadian choreographer "her highly charged, traditional/contemporary/ballet fusion eats up the stage" (Globe and Mail). Their vision is to be a dynamic force in contemporary dance in Canada, a centre for creativity, innovation, artistry and Aboriginal expression that reflects, honours and celebrates culture.

A STORY BEFORE TIME
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Produced by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre
Co-production by The Banff Centre
Created by Artistic Director/Choreographer/Performer: Santee Smith
On the Mainstage | Oct. 16-24, 2013
Recommended for Grades 1-5 | Ages 6 & up
Media Opening: Thursday, October 17 @ 10:30 AM & 1PM
Performances: Oct. 16 & 17 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM | Oct. 18 at 10:30 AM | Sat. & Sun. at 2PM | Oct. 22-24 @ 10:30 AM & 1PM | Full performance schedule at http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/shows-tickets/a-story-before-time/#calendar
Young People's Theatre | 165 Front Street East, Toronto
Tickets: $15-$24 + HST & service charges | Online: youngpeoplestheatre.ca
Box Office: 416.862.2222 | For more information visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca

Pictured: Blair Puente, Alex Meraz. Photo by Don Lee.