Bert Church LIVE Theatre is presenting an epic story-ballet set to the soaring music of Polaris Prize and Juno award-winning composer Jeremy Dutcher of Wolastoqiyik, Neqotkuk First Nation.
PISUWIN. A Wolastoqiyik Story, performed by the Atlantic Ballet Atlantique Canada, is a multidisciplinary piece that reflects on the world’s state of disease, illuminating a path to wholeness and rebalance. The show will take place on November 22 at 7:30 pm.
“There are three main reasons why Airdrie residents should attend this event: the uniqueness of the piece, the cultural perspective, and the peculiarity of the medium,” says Daunia Del Ben, arts program coordinator for the City of Airdrie.
From award-winning director and choreographer Igor Dobrovolskiy and multi-disciplinary artist Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet (Possesom) Paul (Wolastoqiyik, Sitansisk First Nation), PISUWIN is a reflection on the vital connection of the Wolastoq people to Spirit.
The project features eight dancers and blends Indigenous storytelling and ballet, redefining this classical form for a diverse, savvy and contemporary audience.
“It’s the first ever Wolastoq contemporary story-ballet; the storytelling approach takes the audience through a peculiar journey where electronic sounds, spiritual world and harsh reality coexist,” says Del Ben.
“Created and led mainly by Indigenous people, it makes the audience dive into a different culture.”
Industrial landscapes and digital projection, juxtaposed with Wolastoq visual motifs of the spiritual and natural world, create the Indigenous cosmology within which the story takes place.
PISUWIN pushes the audience to confront greed and alienation, while inspiring them to take a different path; one of connection, community and wholeness.
Inspired by figures and characters from Wolastoq worldview, the story warns of the threat and danger of insatiable consumption and greed. The ballet guides viewers to seek a sustainable future in balance with the life-giving power of Water and the other three elementals – Earth, Wind and Fire.
According to Del Ben, this show is unique in another way. It marks the first time the City of Airdrie has presented a ballet.
“The 2025-26 season brings diverse vibes, themes and cultures on the Bert Church LIVE stage with the intent of inspiring our citizens with different approaches, mediums and topics,” she adds.
Learn more and get your tickets to PISUWIN. A Wolastoqiyik Story at tickets.airdrie.ca.
