The Key of She at the Nook Singer-Songwriters & Spoken Word

SKIRTSAFIRE’S MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION MARCH 1-11

SKIRTSAFIRE MARCH 7-17 FESTIVAL 2019

EDMONTON’S ONLY THEATRE AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTS FESTIVAL FEATURING AND LIVE AT THE WINSPEAR ELEVATING THE WORK MARCH M OF WOMEN!

FESTIVAL EVENTS BY DONATION AT THE DOOR MAINSTAGE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TIX ON THE SQUARE WELCOME TO SKIRTSAFIRE

MAKING #YEGHERSTORY SINCE 2012! Welcome to SkirtsAfire 2019; our year of growth. As some venues began spilling over in 2018, we are so excited this year to be a 10 day festival and to start creeping into downtown with 3 new venues where you can see Coeur de pirate Live at the Winspear, singer-songwriters and a poet at The Nook Cafe across the street, and our SkirtsTRIVIA fundraiser in the CKUA Performance Space.

As part of this expansion, we are thrilled to offer a 2nd A-Line Variety show since it’s one of our most popular events. Plus, this year it will include an expanded finale each night to end off the jam-packed events filled with amazing artists from all genres and disciplines. Back this year are all our other popular events as well: singer-songwriters in The Key of She; Words Unzipped in the Nina where you can also take in our visual art exhibit curated by Lana Whiskeyjack, Because of her, I am.; The Women’s Choir Festival, which this year will feature a Mezzo Soprano from the Edmonton Opera; Yoga in the Art; and Bellydancing at Bedouin Beats.

Our theme for 2019 is Identity and we salute Marni Panas as our Honorary Skirt for 2019. We’re thrilled to offer 3 fabulous MainStage plays that each explore questions and inspiration around Identity. Home grown but nationally toured Deep Fried Curried Perogies by Michelle Todd starts us off. Be sure to catch it in tandem with the dance and music The Lawyers at Duncan Craig LLP are narrative, Statue, coming to us from Montreal. And hot off the Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver, Poly Queer Love Ballad is not to be missed. We’re looking forward to the Late Proud Sponsors of SkirtsAﬁre! Night Dance Party co-hosted by Fruit Loop following the Saturday night performance on March 16.

We welcome back our partners Duncan Craig LLP, Women’s Initiative Edmonton, SERVUS, Copy City, The Alberta Playwright’s Network, St. John’s Institute, Alberta Mamas, CBC, Fiona Ellington CKUA, Bottom Line Productions, Explore Edmonton, Otto Food and Drink, and The Shala, and we’re thrilled about our new partnerships with Hillberg and Berk, Fruit Loop, Mama Rhonda Johnson Vivian Stevenson Asha Cafe, Radio Cité, and the Edmonton Opera. Enjoy these next 10 days filled with a diverse and daring line up of entertainment and I encourage you to see at least 3 shows Monelle Sturko Kayla Thompson this year!

Annette Loiselle Artistic Director ENGAGE WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! #yegherstory Pronouns: l @SkirtsAfire DCLLP.com She and Her f /skirtsafirefestival i @SkirtsAfire

SkirtsAfire Festival | 3 SkirtsAfire Festival | 3 MESSAGE FROM HONOURABLE 2018 HONORARY SKIRT RACHEL NOTLEY MURIEL STANLEY VENNE PREMIER OF ALBERTA As last year’s Honorary Skirt for SkirtsAfire Festival, I am so delighted that this beautiful festival has been developed and is making the difference in the lives of women by providing real opportunities to follow their dreams in the Arts.

Coming together as a community to support women is important and it is fantastic to see the support given for this festival. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to send greetings to the opening ceremonies of the 2019 SkirtsAfire Festival. On behalf of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, congratulations to all the artists, the directors, organizers and volunteers who Since 2012, SkirtsAfire has been celebrating and cultivating the work of a diverse group of have made this event a success. women artists in Edmonton, including trans women, self-identifying women, the LGBTQ2 community, and women of all ethnicities and abilities. Artistic expressions from these groups have long been underexposed in the professional arts community, and I’m so pleased that festivals like SkirtsAfire are working to change that. I hope that as you enjoy the work of seasoned exhibitors you will discover exciting new profiles and emerging talent, too. Thank you to the staff and volunteers at SkirtsAfire for promoting intersectional, MESSAGE FROM HIS WORSHIP marginalized voices. Events like SkirtsAfire play an essential role in building the bonds of community. I look forward to many more years of this outstanding festival. MAYOR DON IVESON

Best wishes for a successful event! On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, Alberta’s Capital City, I welcome everyone to the 2019 SkirtsAfire Festival.

Over the last seven years, SkirtsAfire has been a highlight of Edmonton’s festival season and an example of community spirit on 118th Avenue. Rachel Notley Each year, the festival helps enliven our city by creating lasting memories, Premier of Alberta opening our minds to new ideas, and bringing together friends and neighbours. It is truly an honour to host such a diverse theatre and multidisciplinary arts festival that empowers women in the arts and values the voices of all women. 2019 HONORARY SKIRT MARNI PANAS SkirtsAfire continues to grow and evolve, and this year I’m pleased to see the festival extend to 10 full days of theatre, poetry, spoken word, dance, music and more. SkirtsAfire not only celebrates the diversity of women artists but also inspires us to elevate each other, to build each other I thank the organizers and sponsors for their work promoting and supporting the work of up and to create space for the voices of all women to be heard, local women. Your efforts help make our city a more vibrant and uplifting place to live. loud and proud. It is an incredible honour to serve as this year’s Honorary Skirt. As we journey through this celebration of Enjoy the festival! diverse identities and art, it is my hope you find joy, inspiration, empowerment and strength. Yours truly, Be Bold. Be true. Be Daring. Be you!

Don Iveson Mayor

4 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 5 VISUAL ART EXHIBIT BECAUSE OF HER, I AM.

Allison Tunis Allison has her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alberta, and a graduate diploma from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. She is currently the artist-in- residence at Harcourt House Artist-Run Centre, creating a body of work exploring the language our society uses towards and about people of size. Allison also runs a Queer Youth Art Club for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to create art in a safe space and connect with peers. www.allisontunis.com Yong Fei Guan Aba Garbrah Rebecca Pickard Allison Tunis Rebecca Lippiatt Rebecca Lippiatt A professional and passionate photographer for the past 11 years, Rebecca Lippiatt VENUE SPONSORED BY: seeks authenticity through her lens. All of her work, from art to commercial

March 4 - 17 photography is executed from a desire to serve her subjects and her audience with The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue) an open heart. Rebecca is actively involved in her community participating in the March 4 | 2pm - 2:30pm during our Festival Media Launch many arts festivals and is the photo editor for the Rat Creek News. March 5-6 | 10am - 2pm www.rebeccalippiatt.com March 7 | 10am - 2pm & 5pm-7pm during our Opening Ceremonies March 8 | 10am - 2pm Rebecca Pickard March 9 | 1pm - 3pm & 3pm-5pm during Peep Show! I am a self-taught mixed media artist from treaty six territory. I’m a mother, March 11-13 | 10am - 2pm educator, and a Métis woman with family roots in Baptiste Lake, Calling Lake, and March 14 | 10am - 2pm & 7pm-8:30pm during Words Unzipped Crane Valley, Saskatchewan. My current body of work is a catalogue of reflections March 15 | 10am - 2pm about the land and animal relations I grew up observing. Painting is a medicine that March 16 | 9:45am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 4pm & 4:30pm-5:45pm during Festival Events March 17 | 3pm - 4pm during That’s a Thing?! Live Podcast: The Internet is my GSA grounds me. It connects me to my identity as a child of the Earth, and reminds me that beauty, balance and healing is always present in the natural world. www.rebeccapickard.com

Gender is a social construction. For some societies, there are only two genders, male and Yong Fei Guan female, compared to a Cree worldview of eight genders. Each gender has specific roles and Guan explores multicultural identity, politics and their relationship to responsibilities that contribute to the health and well-being of the community. Imagine a environmental issues in her work. She has been involved in public and world where gender is fluid, complex, multidimensional and a living entity, expanding from community art projects, which include YEGmidautumn2017, YEGCANVAS 2015, our cosmic relations to our water relations. Come see the diverse views of her from five and The Postcard Project 2013. Her exhibition, 塑胶狮 Su Jiao Shi, was a pair of local Edmonton artists, exploring “Because of her, I am.” contemporary Chinese guardian lion sculptures that Guan created from household plastic waste. www.yongfeiguan.com Lana Whiskeyjack | Curator Lana Whiskeyjack is a multidisciplinary treaty iskwew artist from Saddle Lake Olivene Aba Gyimah Garbrah Cree Nation, Treaty Six Territory, Alberta. Among her early influences were her Olivene Aba Gyimah Garbrah (known at the Nina as Aba) is a versatile and highly mother’s and grandmother’s gifts in traditional arts including beadwork, moose skilled artist. In ceramics she created a series of small busts of famous African- hair tufting, and moccasin making. Lana’s research, writing and art explores American people. Her figures convey her fascination with black history in North the paradoxes of what it means to be nehiyaw (Cree) and iskwew (woman) in America and, in particular, iconic celebrities as well as people that she has met. a Western culture and society, and how indigenous women are reclaiming, Aba has written and published short stories and participated in the Nina’s digital regathering and remembering their ancestral medicine (sacredness and power). storytelling project. Currently Aba is exploring abstract painting using geometric www.lanawhiskeyjack.ca. shapes and vibrant colours.

6 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 7 SKIRT DESIGN GALLERY OPENING CEREMONIES ME, MY SKIRT & I

Photo by April MacDonald Killins Celebrate the launch of SkirtsAfire 2019 with delicious food and entertainment! Then join us across the street at the SkirtsAfire Cabaret Theatre in the Alberta Avenue Community ON DISPLAY THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL League for the A-Line Variety Show 1. March 7-17 during festival events Featuring: March 16 from 3pm - 5pm The Official Skirt Cutting Ceremony with Kate Mile, representing 2019 (Gallery open for viewing) Honorary Skirt, Marni Panas Cabaret Theatre, Alberta Avenue Community Fabulous eats and drinks catered by Otto Food and Drink League (9210 118 Avenue) Live entertainment by the Cindy Paul Trio and Wendy Gregson & Renee McLachlan

VENUE Six designers compete to create the official skirt of SkirtsAfire 2019! Skirts are SPONSORED BY: judged on creativity and use of materials. Skirts must be constructed only of found materials, and must be wearable. Take a closer look at these stunning designs in our VENUE Skirt Gallery and learn more about each designer’s inspiration and concept! Thursday, March 7, 5pm – 7pm SPONSORED BY: The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue) Our celebrity judges are 2019 Honorary Skirt Marni Panas, Deanne Ferguson from Alberta Mamas, Tara McCarthy from CBC Radio’s Edmonton AM, and Lesley MacDonald, Founder/ Producer, Global Woman of Vision. Cindy Paul Trio Tip Toeing Through Pansies - David Cameron examines gender as a construct and works to promote Photo by Kelly Lizotte the dismantling of gender roles. The design incorporates childhood images into the flowing structure of the gown as a means to reclaim their youth as both male and female. Cindy Paul performs all original songs from her 2 International multi-award nominated albums. She plays guitar, drum, Confessions of a Shopaholic - Treasa Webb’s skirt is a social commentary on overconsumption, and harmonica and Native American flute combining her rich vocals the need to self-fulfill through our buying habits. Her design juxtaposes those values by transforming and rhythms for a melodic and insightful journey through your handbags in a manner where the original decorative details are being sewn and rearranged into an imagination and into your heart. Cindy is available to play solo, interesting and wearable design. trio, or with her full band which includes two of Edmonton’s Human Heart - Fakhra Abrar is inspired by the human heart and based her design on it. Fakhra finest musicians, Gord Matthews and Garry Lee. Fancy Dancer designed the skirt in a heart like shape with different layers. The top red layer represents the Ayla Modeste will join Cindy Paul for a few of her songs. personality others see while underneath black and white layers signify demons and angels within.

Rurally Gentrified - Kelly Johner is inspired by textures, forms, and colors of natural and man-made objects. She collects materials, alters them by taking them out of context and stripping them of their Wendy Gregson & Renee McLachlan original function, allowing her to speak metaphorically about the stories we tell ourselves about who Photo by BB Collective we are. Stunning harmonies and transcendent lyrics define mother- My River - Jane Kline has been inspired by the gentle beauty and exquisite form of her new canine daughter duo Wendy Gregson and Renee McLachlan. Masterful companion. As a workable motif, she has shaped mirrored plexiglass into various impressions of her guitar, guitalele, hand drum, djembe and violin back original, dog’s ears, in order to create her fluid reflective skirt. intimate and potent song writing. Audiences love the playful, She Sails - Kim Neeser has a deep spiritual faith, and believes a great part of her identity is founded in sincere and deeply loving bond between mother and daughter, her God given gift of creativity. Kim can relate to the hard yet beautiful outer shell and free spirited and the variety of songs that reflect the duo’s distinct life paths. nature of the design.

8 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 9 Adrienne Pan on RadioRadio ActiveActive Weekdays 3 – 6PM

CHANDOS [SHAN-DOSS]

Canada’s most progressive, BOLD collaborative and innovative SMART builder with a vested ADVENTUROUS interest in advancing the construction industry.

www.chandos.com

@CBCEdmonton @CBCRadioActive cbc.ca/radioactive A-LINE VARIETYA-LINE VARIETYSHOWS 1 SHOW& 2

King of Foxes Trois Lèvres Rouges Stacey Peacock Amy Nelson ISKO WREN Harmonic Flamenco Julia Sorensen

This year, we’ve doubled the fun with two A-Line Variety Shows! Both nights, which kick off with bagpiper Jo-Ann Rauschenberger, feature an all-star line up of fabulous femme artists A-Line Variety Show 2 and a headliner to finish the night off with a bang! Friday, March 15, 7:30pm - 10pm Cabaret Theatre, Alberta Avenue Community League (9210 118 Ave) A-Line Variety Show 1 Thursday, March 7, 7:30pm - 9:45pm Hosted by Jana O’Connor Cabaret Theatre, Alberta Avenue Community League (9210 118 Ave) Jana O’Connor is an award-winning writer and performer, best known as a cast member on CBC Radio One’s The Irrelevant Show. Jana is a writer and cast member of the most recent season of the APTN sketch series, Caution: May Contain Nuts, which begins airing VENUE Hosted by Celeigh Cardinal SPONSORED BY: in March. Celeigh Cardinal is an Alberta singer songwriter and the first Indigenous radio personality on Alberta’s own CKUA.

Featuring: Singer-Songwriter, Carolina Slim Singer-Songwriting Trio, WREN Featuring: Artist Sponsored by Dancers, Capital City Burlesque HOTELS Drummers, Kita no Taiko An excerpt from our MainStage, Deep Fried Spoken Word Artist, Julia Sorensen An excerpt from our MainStage, Poly Queer Singer-Songwriter, Amy Nelson Curried Perogies Tap Dancers, Rhythm Motives Love Ballad Silk Bellydancer, Stacey Peacock Jazz & Vocals, The Andrea Graham Quartet Throat Singing and Dance, ISKO Singer Poets, Trois Lèvres Rouges An excerpt from our MainStage, Statue Music and Dance, Harmonic Flamenco Band, King of Foxes

With our Finale, Girl Brain Sketch Comedy With our Finale, Mercy Funk Girl Brain Sketch Comedy is a collection of observational, Led and fronted by Crystal Eyo and Angela Proulx, Mercy Funk is situational and sensational humour from the hearts and minds of known for their familiar yet fresh sound. Combining pop, R&B, soul, three fine Albertan ladies! Written, directed and performed by and funk influences, the band always guarantees a fun experience for Alyson Dicey, Ellie Heath and Caley Suliak. You can find them at fans of all ages. The band has been making waves the past few years, Grindstone Theatre every third weekend of the month! For more especially with the most recent release of their debut album “Feel details on upcoming events, follow them on Instagram Good” in June of 2018. MF played to a sold out audience at the album (@girlbrainyeg) and Facebook (Girl Brain Sketch Comedy)! release party. 12 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 13 COEUR DE PIRATE LIVE AT THE WINSPEAR

THE BEST HUB FOR FAMILIES I N A L B E R T A

International Women’s Day Friday, March 8, 8pm The Winspear Centre (4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq)

Featuring King of Foxes, who will be performing in the lobby of The Winspear leading up to the show.

SkirtsAfire Festival is excited to present Cœur de pirate Live at the Winspear as she tours her fifth studio album, en cas de tempête, ce jardin sera fermé. Ten years ago, Béatrice Martin became known to the world as Cœur de pirate. Over the past decade, she has sold over 1.2 million albums, in addition to reaching 1.3 million fans on Facebook and 100,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram. On streaming platforms, 3 million fans listen to her albums on repeat.

The Québécoise singer/songwriter and pianist has often been credited for reviving and introducing a whole new generation to chanson music. Singing in both French and English, Cœur de pirate’s delicately alluring melodies and enchanting lyrics will wrap you in a captivating experience. Tickets are $28-38 plus applicable service fees and are available at winspearcentre.com/tickets. 14 | SkirtsAfire Festival THE KEY OF SHE AT THE NOOK SINGER-SONGWRITERS & SPOKEN WORD

Head to the coziest cafe downtown for captivating performances and delicious food and drinks.

Saturday, March 9, 12pm - 2pm The Nook Cafe (10153 97 Street)

Suzanne de Bussac Photo by Dick Averns Suzanne is a Calgary based singer-songwriter who performs original music in the art pop/rock genre. She accompanies herself on the piano, guitar, and accordion, and performs both as a solo artist and with a band. The live performances are passionate and filled with alacrity, shrouding sometimes dense lyrical content that speaks to topics of mental health, in a wonderland of jaunty melodies and playful, well seasoned musicianship. Perhaps a combination of Neko Case, Kate Bush and Ben Folds.

Cindy Paul Photo by Kelly Lizotte Cindy Paul performs all original songs from her 2 International multi- award nominated albums. She plays guitar, drum, harmonica and Native American flute combining her rich vocals and rhythms for a melodic and insightful journey through your imagination and into your heart. Cindy is available to play solo, trio or with her full band which includes two of Edmonton’s finest musicians, Gord Matthews and Garry Lee. Fancy Dancer Ayla Modeste will join Cindy Paul for a few of her songs.

Medgine Mathurin Haitian-born poet, psalmist and spoken word artist Medgine Mathurin is a person for whom the love of language and the alchemy of words is second nature. Her multi-lingual upbringing (french, creole, english) not only prompted her to begin experimenting with the potential and magic of language, but naturally compelled her into a deep love of poetry. Medgine is among the rare and necessary category of artist who understands the inextricable relationship between a poet’s life and words. Medgine is currently working on her first collection of poetry.

SkirtsAfire Festival | 17 PEEP SHOW! A TEASE OF NEW PLAYSTHE 11 O’CLOCK NUMBER ALBERTA PLAYWRIGHTS’ NETWORK Developing Alberta Playwrights at all stages, for all stages

• One-on-One Play Development Peep Show! 2018 reading of In the Place of Stars by Christine Lesiak. Photo by April MacDonald Killins. • Development Workshops

Saturday, March 9, 3pm - 5pm & Saturday, March 16, 4:30pm - 5:45pm • Mentorship The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue) • Advocacy

Satisfy your passion for new work and catch a preview of two plays by local women • Agency VENUE playwrights. These works are presented in partnership with the Alberta Playwrights’ SPONSORED BY: Network and dramaturged and directed by Tracy Carroll*. Our selected playwrights for 2019 are Ashleigh Hicks and Lebogang Disele. They received a cash prize, one-on- one dramaturgy, and 3 days of workshopping for their winning submissions. Our annual deadline for submissions of new plays is November 1st. fawn by Ashleigh Hicks March 9, 3pm - 5pm Featuring Jenny McKillop*, Priya Narine, Mari Chartier* and Morgan Grau In the absence of her parents, Cora had to put her life on hold to raise her younger sister, Maison. Maison meets Gerard. He’s older and she’s not of legal age. Cora is friends or perhaps more than friends with Adele, Gerard’s younger sister. Things get complicated…

Baleti by Lebogang Disele March 16, 4:30pm - 5:45pm Featuring Michelle Todd, Patricia Cerra*, Jameela McNeil and Patricia Darbasie* Baleti is an adaptation that combines Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Njabulo Ndebele’s The Cry of Winnie Mandela. Both of the texts explore the theme of waiting. The adaptation combines the language of The Cry and the structure of Godot to conceptualize waiting as not just a human condition, but a woman’s condition. Alberta Playwrights’ Network #208 - 331 - 41st Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2N4 The 2019 runners-up are Suspension by Hayley Moorhouse and Lucy Lost in Cancerland by (403) 269-8564 | Toll Free 1-800-268-8564 Esther Koepnick. They will each receive a 1/2 day workshop during SkirtsAfire Festival. albertaplaywrights.com/ *SkirtsAfire engages under the terms of the Independent Theatre Agreement, professional artists who are members of Canadian Actors Equity Association 18 | SkirtsAfire Festival THE KEY OF SHE AT OTTO LIVE MUSIC, GREAT FOOD!

Head over to the neighbourhood’s hottest restaurant for some delicious won the Lieutenant Governor’s Spirit of Vimy contest and led food, craft beer, and live music. Be sure to get there early to secure a spot, to Remembrance Day performance at the Butterdome for 5000 Otto fills up fast! people. Wowing audiences on stages large and small, Lappa has opened for Crash Test Dummies, Digging Roots, Jenn Grant, Leeroy Stagger, Maria Dunn, Mike Plume and performed at Edmonton Folkfest, Calgary Folkfest and Canmore Folkfest.

Various Dates, 5:30pm - 6:30pm (see below) Carolina Slim Otto Food and Drink (11405 95 Street) Saturday, March 16, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Carolina Slim is a singer-songwriter from Mexico. Her music is pop/ folk, and she loves to write her songs in Spanish and English because it is important for her that everybody understands that we are all fellows, no matter where we come from or what language we speak. Amy Nelson What identifies Carolina is her music played by heart. Saturday, March 9, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Photo by Ingrid Vargas A songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Amy wants to create music that exists to confront and celebrate what it means to be a part of the human experience, especially that of those who identify as women. “The sweet, sad longing and play of words and phrases, delivered in a voice from days far gone; holding the plaintive echoes of the struggles of women who bore the weight of abject sorrow and hardships, reaching through the ages and channeled through.” www.amyflyingakite.com

Kaeli Morris Thursday, March 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Kaeli is a 16 year old singer-songwriter, who started singing and performing at a very young age. As she got older, singing grew as her passion, and she fell in love with performing. In her original songs, she writes about real life experiences and hard times with health complications. She hopes that her music can help someone.

Rebecca Lappa Friday, March 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Edmonton singer/songwriter Rebecca Lappa was Top 100 in CBC’s 2018 Searchlight. This Canadian Folk Music Awards and Edmonton Music Awards winner writes folk/pop/rock music showcasing power-house vocals, unique storytelling, and thought-provoking lyrics. Lappa’s latest EP “Spirit” features “Valiant of Vimy” which

20 | SkirtsAfire Festival Servus Credit Union thrives because our branches are deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

1.877.378.8728 | servus.ca

I LOVE ART BY BRITTANY PAIGE YOUR BALSER, WINNER OF SHIRT! OUR T-SHIRT DESIGN COMPETITION!

Brittany’s artwork is featured on the front of our 2019 festival VIOLIN GUITAR MANDOLIN DOBRO BANJO BASS CELLO VIOLA merchandise, which is available for purchase at our festival box office or by emailing info@ skirtsafire.com! A Family Business with Family Values Serving You Since 1967 MYHRE’S MUSIC LIMITED QUANTITIES 8735 - 118th Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5B 0T2 AVAILABLE, SO GET YOURS Tel: 780-477-1586 Fax: 780-477-7917 WHILE YOU CAN! Email: [email protected] SKIRTSAFIRE MAINSTAGE DEEP FRIED CURRIED PEROGIES 3 PLAYS 1 STAGE SKIRTSAFIRE MAINSTAGE | 3 PLAYS 1 STAGE

MAINSTAGE SPONSORED BY: CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

Join us in our Cabaret Theatre as we present 3 plays in rotation. Be sure to catch our double header nights where you can see 2 shows separated by a short intermission.

VENUE Cabaret Theatre, Alberta Avenue SPONSORED BY: “…Powerfully funny Community League (9210 118 Ave) MIMOSA* MATINEE By Michelle Todd MARCH 1 1 performance…” Saturday, March 9 @ 7:30pm If Germans are “krauts” and the British are “Spotted - Toronto Star Statue & Deep Fried Curried Perogies dick”, then Deep Fried Curried Perogies are born when a Sunday, March 10 @ 1:30pm “…Most fully realized show I’ve seen…” Deep Fried Curried Perogies & Statue* PAY WHAT YOU PLEASE Jamaican Filipino and a Ukrainian Brit start a family (or a ** - Montreal Mirror Tuesday, March 12 @ 7:30pm MARCH 1 1 Jalipinukranibritinadian). In this feisty, comedic memoir, Deep Fried Curried Perogies** Michelle Todd shares the past of her Filipino mother and “Gifted storyteller… funny and Wednesday, March 13 @ 7:30pm Jamaican father who left their tropic homelands behind thought-provoking.” HER NIGHT*** OUT Poly Queer Love Ballad & Statue** MARCH 1 - The Star Phoenix to spice up the wonderful non-tropic world of Edmonton, Thursday, March 14 @ 9:00pm Alberta. This Fringe hit recounts what their collection plate of Deep Fried Curried Perogies*** “Deep Fried Curried Perogies is stories, recipes, heirlooms and hair trauma mean for Michelle such a sweet show and it makes Saturday, March 16 @ 7:00pm and her baby’s future. An exploration of the question, “Where the grade not for its sweetness Deep Fried Curried Perogies PAGE but for its utterly unusual (and LATE NIGHT**** DANCE PARTY 42 do I come from?” Touching, funny, and smart – Deep Fried strangely familiar) territory.” Saturday, March 16 @ 8:30pm MARCH 1 1M Poly Queer Love Ballad**** Poly Queer Love Ballad - Gaeton L. Charlebois H B Curried Perogies is a real look at family legacy. Sunday, March 17 @ 1:30pm HH Poly Queer Love Ballad* Written, performed, and choreographed by Michelle Todd. SEE A PREVIEW OF Originally directed by Ryan Hughes. Sound design by Aaron DEEP FRIED CURRIED Tickets range from $17-$25 plus applicable fees and are available at Tix on the PEROGIES ON MARCH 7 Square (tixonthesquare.ca, 780.420.1757) or at the door. Book your group of 5 or Macri and Octavo Studios. Props and lighting design by IN THE A-LINE VARIETY more at a discounted rate by contacting [email protected]. Ivan Siemens. SHOW 1 (PG 12)! 24 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 25 POLY QUEER LOVE BALLAD STATUE SKIRTSAFIRE MAINSTAGE | 3 PLAYS 1 STAGE SKIRTSAFIRE MAINSTAGE | 3 PLAYS 1 STAGE

By Sara Vickruck & Anais West “The complicated intimacy By Kristina Troske and Céline Chevrier SEE A PREVIEW OF between old-fashioned STATUE ON MARCH 7 Poly Queer Love Ballad is a bold, intimate new musical, romantic Gaby… and Artists sponsored by IN THE A-LINE VARIETY polyamorous Nina… is SHOW 1 (PG 12)! merging slam poetry with catchy pop-folk tunes. Nina, a beautifully mapped in polyamorous bisexual poet, meets Gabbie, a monogamous Vickruck’s songs and West’s Creative Support: Andrea Niño Sarmiento, Pascal Brullemans lesbian songwriter, at an open mic night. With two passionate poems.” Original music: Loïc Reeves - The Georgia Straight microphones, a loop pedal, and array of instruments, they Photo: Patrice Tremblay struggle to reconcile their fierce mutual attraction with “…The tenderness and rapture Statue is a silent narrative using music and imagery. Two their opposing perspectives on love. The show challenges of this story made me weep big, people come upon a nude female bust and lend it an article conceptions about polyamory and queerness, while aiming to nostalgic tears.” - Colin Thomas, colinthomas.ca of clothing. The statue comes to life, borrowing their body create a new representation of intimacy that isn’t confined by parts, as she ekes out an identity by observing the actors genre, medium, or societal obligations. *WINNER* model stereotyped behavior, which she emulates. Through After playing to sold out houses at the Vancouver Fringe PTC’S FRINGE NEW PLAY PRIZE physical play and an exchange of shoes, the puppet grapples *WINNER* with what is “appropriate” for “male/female. Festival and winning multiple awards, Poly Queer Love Ballad 2018 PICK OF THE FRINGE received its official premiere in March 2019, co-produced by *WINNER* Statue benefitted from a residency offered by Le Cube, International the Queer Arts Festival, presented by Zee Zee Theatre and GEORGIA STRAIGHT CRITICS CHOICE AWARD Centre for Research and Creation for Youth Theatre in 2018-2019. the Frank Theatre.

Created and performed by Sara Vickruck* and Anais West. Directed by SEE A PREVIEW OF Julie McIsaac*. Dramaturgy by Joanna Garfinkel. Set, Prop, and Costume POLY QUEER LOVE design by Alaia Hamer and Jessica Han. Lighting Design by Harika Xu. BALLAD ON MARCH 15 Stage management by Sammie Hatch. Photography by Emily Cooper. IN THE A-LINE VARIETY SHOW 2 (PG 13)! * The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the DancelOperalTheatre Policy (DOT). We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien. 26 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 27 SHE SPEAKS SHORT FILM

Michelle Todd Shreela Chakrabartty Nadien Chu

March 7, 6:30pm - 7:30pm March 14, 8pm - 9pm March 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm March 16, 6pm - 7pm Front Lounge of the Alberta Avenue Community League (9210 118 Avenue)

She Speaks is a short documentary by Shreela Chakrabartty, Michelle Todd and Nadien Chu commissioned by SkirtsAfire in 2014, featuring seven Edmonton based women from student to correctional to executive. These candid portraits reveal their passion, love and states of life that will inspire you and leave you wanting to hear more.

28 | SkirtsAfire Festival INTERDISCIPLINARY SPOKEN WORD WORDS UNZIPPEDWORDS UNZIPPED

Nisha Patel INSPOKEN/OUTSPOKEN Nisha Patel is an Indo-Canadian poet and artist, and the Festival Producer of the Edmonton Poetry Festival. She is the 2016 Edmonton In this live performance of energetic, dynamic, outspoken poetry, you will enjoy clever, Indie Slam Champion, and has performed across Canada and the world touching wordplay, and a look into the multi-layered experiences of the souls and minds at festivals, features, and slams. Nisha is a graduate of the University that examine life and its contents through the art of spoken word. of Alberta with a degree in Business Economics and Law, a minor in Political Science, and an inaugural Certificate in Leadership. She is a Panel discussion and Q&A on the theme of “Identity” will wrap up the show. Come with proud member of the Breath in Poetry Collective, and works to further questions at the ready! her goal of bringing poetry into non-poetic spaces with the work that she does to build a stronger artistic community. Deaf audiences welcome (ASL Interpretation by NICA consolidated) ASL/English Interpreters | Hope Lagaden and Alicia Ponciano Lebogang Disele Deaf Consultant/ASL VLOG Creator | Connor Yuzwenko-Martin Photo by Marc Chalifoux Lebogang Disele is a PhD student at the University of Alberta and a lecturer at the University of Botswana. Her focus in theatre and

VENUE performance includes dance, acting, directing and more recently, Thursday, March 14, 7pm - 8:30pm SPONSORED BY: dramaturgy. For the past three years she has been focused on growing The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue) her company, The LC Performance Lab, through which she has produced four performances. Recent performance credits include What (Black) Life Requires, at the Mile Zero Sesquicentennial Party curated by Bridget Jessome, the Mile Zero Dirt Buffet curated by Karimah, Curator Mpoe Mogale and at the 2017 Expanse Festival, “In the Shadow of Photo by Stimulate Your Senses Photography Blessings” at Alchemy II curated by Brandon Wint and UnWoven at Karimah is a french/english speaking Pop/R&B singer/songwriter who the 2018 SkirtsAfire Festival, curated by Nasra Adem. Lebo was also a reached the top 24 on “The Voice Canada” season 5, a.k.a “La Voix” in co-dramaturge for David Kennedy’s adaptation of The Lower Depths 2017. Her emotionally raw and introspective lyrics and sweet melodies (2018). are heart wrenching and healing. Look out for her debut solo EP in 2019. Karimah is pleased to host Words Unzipped poetry showcase and panel You can catch a staged play reading of Lebogang’s latest play, Baleti, at discussion on the theme of “Identity.” Follow her online at Peep Show! on March 16 (pg 18). @karimahmusik. Buy her music at www.karimah.bandcamp.com.

Shima Aisha Robinson aka Dwennimmen Medgine Mathurin Edmonton-born poet and spoken word artist Shima Robinson Haitian-born poet, psalmist and spoken word artist Medgine Mathurin is a person for whom the love of language and the alchemy of words embodies, with every poem, the ancient meaning of her chosen pen is second nature. Her multi-lingual upbringing (french, creole, english) name - Dwennimmen; the name of an ancient African Adinkra symbol, not only prompted her to begin experimenting with the potential and which means strength, humility, learning and wisdom. It is no surprise, magic of language, but naturally compelled her into a deep love of then, that this Alberta poetry community veteran uses a searing poetry. Medgine is among the rare and necessary category of artist intellect and dynamic precision-of-language to create poetry which who understands the inextricable relationship between a poet’s life ushers her readers and listeners toward greater understanding and and words. Medgine is currently working on her first collection of poignant reflection. poetry.

30 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 31 PS: Don’t forget FEEL THE HEAT! MARCH to set your clocks back! THURSDAY TUESDAY SATURDAY MARCH MARCH MARCH OPENING CEREMONIES DEEP FRIED CURRIED PEROGIES YOGA IN THE ART LATE NIGHT DANCE PARTY PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE 5:00pm - 7:00pm 9 7:30pm - 8:45pm 25 9:45am - 12:30pm 34 10:00pm - 2:00am 42 NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY CABARET THEATRE NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY CABARET THEATRE

SHORT FILM: SHE SPEAKS WEDNESDAY BELLYDANCING WORKSHOP SUNDAY PAGE PAGE 6:30pm - 7:30pm 28 MARCH 11:00am - 11:50am 35 MARCH CABARET THEATRE FRONT LOUNGE BEDOUIN BEATS POLY QUEER LOVE BALLAD & STATUE THE KEY OF SHE AT THE CARROT 7:30pm - 9:45pm PAGE 12:00pm - 2:00pm PAGE A-LINE VARIETY SHOW 1 26&27 THE KEY OF SHE AT THE CARROT 37 PAGE THE CARROT 7:30pm - 9:45pm 12 CABARET THEATRE PAGE 1:00pm - 3:00pm 36 CABARET THEATRE THE CARROT THURSDAY POLY QUEER LOVE BALLAD 1:30pm - 2:50pm PAGE FRIDAY MARCH A PLACE FOR PROSE 26 CABARET THEATRE MARCH PAGE 2:00pm - 4:00pm 38 THE KEY OF SHE AT OTTO NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY PAGE THAT’S A THING?! LIVE PODCAST RECORDING CŒUR DE PIRATE LIVE AT THE WINSPEAR 5:30pm - 6:30pm 20 PAGE 3:00pm - 4:00pm PAGE 8:00pm 14 OTTO FOOD AND DRINK 43 WINSPEAR CENTRE SKIRT DESIGN GALLERY (OPEN FOR VIEWING) NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY 3:00pm - 5:00pm PAGE 8 WORDS UNZIPPED CABARET THEATRE PAGE SATURDAY 7:00pm - 8:30pm 30 NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY MARCH PEEP SHOW! BALETI BY LEBOGANG DISELE 4:30pm - 5:45pm PAGE THE KEY OF SHE AT THE NOOK SHORT FILM: SHE SPEAKS 18 PAGE NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY VENUE INFORMATION PAGE 8:00pm - 9:00pm 28 12:00pm - 2:00pm 17 THE NOOK CAFE CABARET THEATRE FRONT LOUNGE NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY THE KEY OF SHE AT OTTO 9225 -118 Avenue PAGE 5:30pm - 6:30pm 20 Sponsored by Hillberg & Berk PEEP SHOW! fawn BY ASHLEIGH HICKS DEEP FRIED CURRIED PEROGIES OTTO FOOD AND DRINK PAGE 9:00pm - 10:15pm PAGE CABARET THEATRE 3:00pm - 5:00pm 18 25 NINA HAGGERTY GALLERY CABARET THEATRE Alberta Avenue Community League SHORT FILM: SHE SPEAKS 9210 -118 Avenue Sponsored by Women’s Initiative Edmonton 6:00pm - 7:00pm PAGE THE KEY OF SHE AT OTTO FRIDAY 28 5:30pm - 6:30pm PAGE CABARET THEATRE FRONT LOUNGE THE CARROT 20 MARCH 9351-118 Avenue OTTO FOOD AND DRINK DEEP FRIED CURRIED PEROGIES THE NOOK CAFE THE KEY OF SHE AT OTTO 7:00pm - 8:15pm PAGE 10153-97 Street STATUE & DEEP FRIED CURRIED PEROGIES 5:30pm - 6:30pm PAGE 25 20 7:30pm - 9:45pm PAGE CABARET THEATRE BEDOUIN BEATS 25&27 OTTO FOOD AND DRINK CABARET THEATRE 11805-94 Street SHORT FILM: SHE SPEAKS WOMEN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL OTTO FOOD AND DRINK PAGE PAGE 8:30pm - 9:45pm 40 SUNDAY 6:30pm - 7:30pm 28 11405-95 Street MARCH CABARET THEATRE FRONT LOUNGE ST. FAITH’S CHURCH ST. FAITH’S CHURCH 11725-93 Street DEEP FRIED CURRIED PEROGIES & STATUE A-LINE VARIETY SHOW 2 POLY QUEER LOVE BALLAD WINSPEAR CENTRE 1:30pm - 3:45pm PAGE 7:30pm - 10:00pm PAGE 8:30pm - 9:50pm PAGE 25&27 13 26 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square CABARET THEATRE CABARET THEATRE CABARET THEATRE YOGA IN THE ART BELLYDANCE WORKSHOP BEGINNER BELLYDANCE (NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!)

Presented by Bedouin Beats and open to all levels, learn the art of bellydancing and get your glitter on!

Saturday, March 16, 11am - 11:50am Bedouin Beats Dance and Fitness (11805 94 Street)

Stacie Clarke is a professional bellydancer and instructor in Edmonton, Alberta. She is known for her precise technique, relaxed musicality, and genuine emotions during performance. Join her in this introduction to bellydance for a sparkly, fun time! Stacie will guide you through some basic bellydance movements and then combine them in a sequence that you can really dance! Yoga in the Art 2018. Photo by April MacDonald Killins.

Saturday, March 16 9:45am - 10:30am Ashtanga, Half Primary with Linda Turnbull 10:45am - 11:30am Yin with Tara Schuller 11:45am - 12:30pm Ashtanga Foundations, Ashtanga Boot Camp Style with Kristen Overgaard VENUE The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue) SPONSORED BY:

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at SkirtsAfire with Yoga in the Art. Shake your inner Shakti amongst the inspiring SkirtsAfire Visual Art Exhibit, Because of her, I am., in the Nina Haggerty Gallery. Breathe deeply as you share your practice with yogis of all levels. Bring your mat and stay for 1, 2, or all 3 sessions which will each feature a different style of yoga with a new instructor to lead you in your practice. All three sessions will have live music care of Cellist, Amy Nicholson, whose meditative music nourishes the soul while caring for the body. Afterwards, head over to the Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse for coffee, tea, and nibbles. Get a good seat to enjoy the sweet sounds of our singer-songwriters in The Key of She (Pg 36).

Sponsored By:

34 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 35 THE KEY OF SHE AT THE CARROT SINGER-SONGWRITER SERIES

Six singer-songwriters share their inspiring talents over two days in our festival song circle. Sunday, March 17, 12pm - 2:00pm The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse (9351 118 Avenue)

Saturday, March 16, 1pm - 3pm Lara Yule Singh The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse (9351 118 Avenue) Interdimensional folk tales; Singer/songwriter, Lara Yule Singh’s bold, new musical direction is theatrical, folk storytelling, but not everything here is as it seems. Heartful, yet subtly mysterious lyrics invite the listener to discover and explore new, inner landscapes. The Songstress is diving deep into recording a collection of polished gems, that will gently tug your ear Lana Gilday and warmly invite you, “like a welcoming committee, saying come in, come Photo by Lhasa Gilday in” (Luka Symons - CKUA Radio). Lana Gilday is a mother and musician. For 15 years she has worked as a palliative care nurse, and weaves these experiences into her songwriting. Her music is at once haunting and seductive; encompassing the trials of womanhood, and the terrible privilege of living. Paula Kirman Photo by Johnny Blackburn Paula is a local singer/songwriter who uses music as a form of activism. Many of her songs deal with social justice issues such as peace, Kaeli Morris homelessness, women’s issues, and the environment. Kaeli is a 16 year old singer-songwriter, who started singing and performing at a very young age. As she got older, singing grew as her passion, and she fell in love with performing. In her original songs, she writes about real life experiences and hard times with health complications. She hopes that her music can help someone. Kristen McArthur Photo by James Cardinal Cindy Paul Kristen McArthur, an Edmonton-Alberta-based independent, is an artist, Photo by Kelly Lizotte mother, entrepreneur, artisan, writer, songwriter, and all around creative. Cindy Paul performs all original songs from her 2 International multi-award Kristen has been recording professionally since 2014 and officially released nominated albums. She plays guitar, drum, harmonica and Native American her debut album in November 2018. In 2010, Kristen performed alongside flute combining her rich vocals and rhythms for a melodic and insightful Johnny Reid in a 25-choir ensemble live and televised for the Canadian journey through your imagination and into your heart. Cindy is available Country Music Awards. She also auditioned for Canadian Idol in 2006 to play solo, trio, or with her full band which includes two of Edmonton’s and considers two of her most notable performances to be 2017 APTN finest musicians, Gord Matthews and Garry Lee. Aboriginal Day Live in Yellowknife NWT and the Douglas Corner Café in Nashville, TN, USA in 2018. Kristen’s music has been well received over radio waves across Canada and the U.S.A since she first began recording and she is looking forward to all the possible opportunities she will access having finally released a debut album.

36 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 37 A PLACE FOR PROSE LITERARY READINGS

A Place for Prose is a house salon started in 2008 by Astrid Blodgett and Audrey Whitson. Along with nearly 2 dozen visual artists, the salon has hosted 71 writers from Edmonton and area and as far away as Drumheller, Indian Head, Calgary, and Prince George. The March 2019 salon, held in conjunction with SkirtsAfire, will celebrate three Edmonton writers and an artist.

VENUE Saturday, March 16, 2pm - 4pm SPONSORED BY: The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue)

COMFORT INN e “And after the storm I went down to the basement. And everything was floating. Lots of my 100 Av CANADIAN WESTERN ESSO/TIM BANK old keyboards, dirty projectors, props from old performances, a fiberglass plane, a motorcycle, HORTONS countless papers and books. And I looked at them floating there in the shiny dark water, ROYAL CORA’S PIZZA dissolving, all the things I’d carefully saved all my life, becoming nothing but junk. And I SCHANKS thought: how beautiful, how magic and how catastrophic.”

CANADIAN TIRE Artist, composer, musician, and film director Laurie Anderson speaking with Eleanor Wachtel on “Writers and Company.”

Short story writer Kat Cameron Writer and poet Marilyn Dumont Playwright Michele Vance Hehir, with a special sneak preview of SkirtsAfire’s 2020 MainStage play, The Blue Hour. Visual Artist Rebecca Pickard

On the verge of spring, join us for an afternoon of beauty, magic, and maybe even a bit of catastrophe...

38 | SkirtsAfire Festival WOMEN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL CHORAL CONCERT WOMEN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL FEATURING STEPHANIE TRITCHEW FROM THE EDMONTON OPERA

Belle Canto Women’s Ensemble Conducted & Founded by Heather Johnson Edmonton’s Belle Canto Women’s Choir is regarded as one of Canada’s leading women’s choral ensembles. Originally a group of university students, the choir now consists of amateur singers from all walks of life. The choir is particularly well-known for their adventurous programming, their stunning ability to sing in a wide variety of languages, and their full use of the women’s vocal palette.

Archbishop Jordan Girls Choir Conducted by Jolaine Kerley Archbishop Jordan runs an award winning choral program which includes a non-auditioned Girls chorus and auditioned Ensemble and Jazz choirs. Under the direction of Ms. Jolaine Women’s Choir Festival 2018. Photo by April MacDonald Killins. Kerley and Mrs. Nevada Moes, the choirs perform in local and national festivals and tour each year. For over three decades, the choirs have won numerous awards and accolades SkirtsAfire is proud to present this 4th Annual Women’s Choral Festival in Edmonton in and have toured nationally and internationally. partnership with Bella Voce Choir featuring Stephanie Tritchew from the Edmonton Opera Peep Show, 2015 and emerging singer-songwriter, Hannah Gazso. Stephanie Tritchew Mezzo Soprano From St. Catharines, Stephanie Tritchew recently appeared as Stéphano Saturday, March 16, 8:30pm - 9:45pm in Roméo et Juliette with Calgary Opera and made her Messiah debut St. Faith’s Church (11725 93 Street) with both the Belleville Choral Society and Chorus Niagara. Stephanie is a graduate of the Calgary Opera Emerging Artist program and the Yulanda M. Faris program at Vancouver Opera. She is thrilled to be This celebration of women’s voices features performances by: returning to Edmonton Opera as the cover for Isolier in Le Comte d’Ory.

Bella Voce Hannah Gazso Conducted by Jolaine Kerley Emerging Singer-Songwriter Bella Voce Concordia is a 30-voice non-auditioned choral ensemble for women, composed Hannah Gazso is a 15 year old singer/songwriter from Ardrossan, of both students at Concordia University of Edmonton and members of the community. Alberta with a passion for performing, and has most recently found her The repertoire of the choir is varied, from folk music to lighter classics and love of songwriting. This past summer, she was the winner of the Big seasonal favourites. Valley Jamboree Road To Mainstage Competition, and was rewarded a performance on the mainstage just before Brett Eldredge and Florida Ariose Georgia Line. Conducted by Jolaine Kerley Ariose Women’s Choir is an award winning, nationally recognized choir of singers from all walks of life. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, and led by their artistic director, Jolaine Kerley, the group enjoys the challenge of exploring and performing music of various styles and Read full bios at skirtsafire.com. from different periods, and strives to expose audiences to a vast array of women’s choral music.

40 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 41 LATE NIGHT DANCE PARTY THAT’S A THING?! CO-HOSTED BY FRUIT LOOP LIVE PODCAST: THE INTERNET IS MY GSA

VENUE Sunday, March 17, 3pm - 4pm SPONSORED BY: The Nina Haggerty Gallery (9225 118 Avenue)

Be part of a live recording of That’s A Thing?!, a podcast in which Elizabeth, a teen, explains her media to Karen, her mom. They will explore how the internet has created a supportive and informative space for LGBTQ+ youth, notwithstanding the trollish toxicity we all seem to be swimming in online. Vivian Vanguard Luna LaPearl Dame Pérignon Holly Von Sinn Soo She Featuring interviews with SkirtsAfire artists, Sara Vickruck and Anais West (Poly Queer Love Ballad), our 2019 Honorary Skirt, Marni Panas, and Harley Morison from Cardiac Theatre. Saturday, March 16, 10pm - 2am www.thatsathing.transistor.fm Cabaret Theatre, Alberta Avenue Community League (9210 118 Ave) Twitter @thatsathingYEG

VENUE Following a performance of Poly Queer Love Ballad at 8:30pm (pg26), this SPONSORED BY: incredible dance party will feature special performances and music by DJ HaHa!

Hosted by Fitzgerald Bitchwilliam III Fitzy has been dazzling audiences for as long as he can remember. Known for his killer thighs and sky-high heels, Fitzy effortlessly blurs the lines of masculinity and femininity. Dancer, producer, host, choreographer, performer - this vampy vixen never says die. He has performed across Europe, the Middle East, and North America - and has no intention of slowing down any time soon. He’s delighted to be a part of SkirtsAfire festival, and can’t wait to see you at this March 16 event!

Featuring: A RAUCOUS COMEDY Vivian Vanguard Luna LaPearl FROM THE COMPOSER OF Soo She Dame Pérignon THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Holly Von Sinn DJ HaHa

Fruit Loop Society dedicates itself to supporting and promoting non-profit groups APRIL 6 • 9 • 12 within the LGBTQ2+ community by providing well-respected and popular public events, JUBILEE AUDITORIUM showcasing local talent and culture. Fruit Loop also aims to educate the general public on current provincial, national, and international LGBTQ2+ issues through its social media channels. Like them on Facebook to stay up to date on all their upcoming events!

42 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 43 MAR 30 - APR 21, 2019

FEB 16 - MAR 17, 2019

@ OM CKUA A.C RAD CKU IO

MAR 30 - APR 21, 2019 APR 20 - MAY 12, 2019

DON’T DELAY GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 780.425.1820 • citadeltheatre.com MEET THE SKIRTS SKIRTSAFIRE STAFF MARCH 7-17 SkirtsAfire Board of Directors FESTIVAL 2019

Lana Anderson Nallely Alcocer The Skirts behind the scenes. Thank you for all you do! SKIRTSAFIRE FESTIVAL PRODUCTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

Artistic Director Annette Loiselle Wendy Smereka Sandra Marin Managing Director Brianne Jang Festival Coordinator Paige Tirs Technical Producer Betty Hushlak Co-Technical Director Gin May Co-Technical Director Chris Dela Cruz Co-Technical Director Christopher Hicks Jenny Prefontaine Deb Kondysar Festival Bookkeeper Pam Aseltine Volunteer Coordinator Alison Besecker Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Jenna Skibinsky* Marketing Assistant Nadia Halabi* Production Assistant Kaylie Rennebohm* Venue Technician Assistant Tristan Fair* Technician in the Nina Alastair Elliot Catherine McMillan Judy Stelck Sound Technician AACL Andrew White Sound Technician Philippe McLean Assistant to PM & TD Samantha Kennedy* Concession Manager Frances Girard* Box Office Manager Linh Dang* Assistant Venue Manager Aidan McBride* Festival Visual Communications 12Strong Ltd Rebecca McCauley Media Relations Kate Hamblin, Bottom Line Productions Visual Art Curator Lana Whiskeyjack Assistant Visual Art Coordinator Michaela LaForge* Words Unzipped Curator Karimah Peep Show Coordinator Tracy Carroll Art Skirt Coordinator Madison St. Louis* SkirtsAfire Founding Board of Directors Honorary Skirts Festival Photographers April MacDonald Killins Gallican Kalimuvumba Buki* Marie Gynane-Willis 2013 - Minister Heather Klimchuk Festival Videographer Katie Elizabeth Studio Sharla Matkin 2014 - Lynn Mandell & Sarah Chan Zoominescence Installation Artist Heather Cornick Christy Morin 2015 - Premier Rachel Notley Festival Musician Emily Gryba* Festival Musician Rachel Gleddie* Holly Turner 2016 - Marguerite Trussler Festival Musician Vanessa Wilson Nadien Chu 2017 - Linda Duncan Gina Puntil 2018 - Muriel Stanley Venne *Thanks to Volunteer Alberta for these SCIP Volunteer positions Annette Loiselle 2019 - Marni Panas Robina Zyp

46 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 47 SPONSORS, DONORS THANK YOU! & SUPPORTERS WE’D LIKE TO EXTEND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO: FESTIVAL PARTNERS FESTIVAL FRIENDS POOFY SKIRT $100-$249 Copy City Mini Bites Cupcakes Bretta Gerecke The Alberta Playwrights’ Starbucks Judy Allan Nadia Halabi Heather Cornick Network Station on Jasper Helen Turner Terry Wickham Volunteer Alberta Alley Kat Brewing Company Janis Irwin Otto Food and Drink Greg Caswell Bernadette Gasslein Marni Panas Mama Asha Cafe PRODUCTION SPONSORS Keith and Moon Trueman St. John’s Institute Kate Mile Winter City Strategies Kenneth May Candice Fiorentino Hillberg & Berk Group Women’s Canadian Club of Kelly LaForge The Foote Theatre School at Edmonton Donna Paliwoda PUBLIC FUNDERS the Citadel Fringe Theatre Adventures Michelle Kaplan and Bedouin Beats The Edmonton Arts Council MINI SKIRT $50 -$99 (Chris Kavanagh) Daniel Lenz The City of Edmonton JH Picard School Colleen Emmott Duane Franklin The Avenue Initiative Judith Boyle Darka Tarnawsky Revitalization Fund L’UniThéâtre Lona Ani Antonio Bavaro Government of Alberta Workshop West Playwright’s Theatre Alan Besecker & Mary Michelle Todd Business for the Arts* Gordon Theatre Prospero Renee McLachlan Canadian Heritage Angelica Menck Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts EVENT SPONSORS Richard Stroppel Chris Durham & NAIT Film and Television MAINSTAGE SPONSOR The Shala Yoga Kids 4 Cameras* Duncan Craig LLP Fruit Loop DENIM SKIRT up to $49 Lesley MacDonald Jenna Marynowski Steve Grubich VENUE SPONSORS ARTIST SPONSOR Shelley Jang Jon Shields The Alberta Avenue Marie Fontaine Freewill Shakespeare Festival Community League The Sutton Place Hotel (Women’s Initiative Edmonton Edmonton Pride Festival Edmonton) Servus Credit Union DOOR PRIZE DONORS David Dempsey The Nina Haggerty Centre gravitypope Terry Coyes for the Arts SILK SKIRT $2500 Karen Mykietka (HIllberg & Berk) Ruby Gorgeous Salon Duncan Craig LLP Nick Sarnosky St. Faith’s Church Yuk Yuk’s Edmonton Women’s Initiative Comedy Club The Nook Cafe Edmonton Sabrina Butterfly Designs Bedouin Beats The Comic Strip *Kids4Cameras engages youth through photography and digital Winspear Centre CRINOLINE SKIRT $1500- Unbelts media building mentorships and helping youth find a positive $2000 and creative outlet. The Carrot Community Grindstone Theatre Arts Coffeehouse Marguerite Trussler Shadow Theatre Freewill Shakespeare Festival MEDIA & ONLINE A-LINE SKIRT $500-$999 SPONSORS The Shala Laurie Blakeman CBC Lululemon Terry Coyes and Annette Bottom Line Productions Loiselle Shoppers Drug Mart WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! CKUA Citadel Theatre Alberta Mamas PENCIL SKIRT $250-$499 Festival Place Explore Edmonton Rapid Fire Theatre (Sphinxes) Girl Brain Take our online survey and enter to win a $200 gift up! 99.3 FM Heather Waldie Plaza Bowling Co. certificate for gravitypope shoes! Radio Cité 97.9 FM Kirsten Goa *artsVest™ Alberta is operated by Travel Alberta Canadian Western Bank Business for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta www.skirtsafire.com/survey and Calgary Arts Development. 48 | SkirtsAfire Festival SkirtsAfire Festival | 49 VOLUNTEERS JOIN THE SKIRTSAFIRE FAMILY! BECOME A MEMBER!

SkirtsAfire’s members play an important role in our organization. It is a great way to get involved with a festival giving a platform to women in the arts and truly making a difference.

Be the first to Know that you Photos by Girl Named Shirl receive news are supporting and notices the work of A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! women artists Meet new people and be a part The donation of your valuable time is essential to the success of the festival and we are Invites to of a fun and extremely grateful. Please help us show our appreciation and send a smile to your friendly special events inspiring group SkirtsAfire Volunteers! of welcoming individuals that Hitomi Suzuta Junping He Natally Flores Mark Dobbelsteyn share your passion Saachi Sinha Nandini Chandra Aimee Charest Deb Giguere Able to volunteer Jacquie Beal Julia Stanski Kimberly Lockert John A. Hawkins at inspiring, Robin Vargyas Marc Neal Serena Curtis Joan Heys Hawkins entertaining and Able to serve Lisa N Jenn Nguyen Leona Kidd Michele Vance Hehir often just fun events on board Carol Curtis Sandra Der Liza Shatula Therese Lemire Committees Elva Rice Brett Ann Taylor Angela Simbirova Jenna Marynowski Sonja Gould Kirsten Scott Laurie Coyes Myles Bonnie McBride Eligible to vote Eligible to join Marie Fontaine Viraj Wanigasekera Jeanie Casault Vera Milligan at AGM the Board of Melody Manuel Sounak Das Pat Sirant Brynda Roche Directors Kate Kosinski Krista Ostashower Twila Bakker Jan Sutherland Corrina Cornforth Donna Mackey Carolina Castrejon Moon Trueman Bronwyn Neufeld Valda Roberts Perez Holly Turner Kurt Hanneman Denise Mutlow Kelsie Acton Patricia Waisman Charlotte Wasylik Arwa Omar Treanna Chesterman Chidinma Amogu Kelly-Dawn Clarahan Kate Gale Alexandra Creedon FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BECOME A MEMBER TODAY, VISIT SKIRTSAFIRE.COM/BECOME-A-MEMBER 50 | SkirtsAfire Festival SKIRTSAFIRE FESTIVAL GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS. YOUR SUPPORT IS THE EXTRA SPARK THAT KEEPS THE ARTS ALIVE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS EDMONTON

HOTELS

#EXPLOREEDMONTON | #YEGHERSTORY SKIRTSAFIRE.COM @SKIRTSAFIRE