For more than 20 years, Public Energy has presented some of the world’s best talent in contemporary dance, theatre, and performance. They have featured exceptional artists from around the corner, and around the world.
This legacy has earned Public Energy a place on tours for artists who perform in places like Berlin, Paris, New York, London, and San Francisco — tours whose only other stops are major Canadian centres.
The arts presenter has steadily cultivated a knowledgeable and passionate audience for them. This is due in no small part to artistic director Bill Kimball, who has committed a lifetime of passion and effort to the arts.
It is remarkable that Public Energy has remained something of a local secret. But awareness is growing that you can see top national and international artists right here in Peterborough.
Two such high-caliber international performances are set to appear at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough.
On Tuesday, February 3rd at 8 p.m., Public Energy presents South African choreographer Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe’s two-part solo dance program, “NTU” and “Skwatta”. And on Thursday, February 12th at 8 p.m., Public Energy presents Israeli choreographer Aharona Israel’s “Marathon”, a work of physical theatre for three performers. Following both shows, there will be talks with the artists.
Tickets for the feature performances from Public Energy are available at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) for $22 ($15 for students/underwaged, and $5 for high school students at the door only). Box office hours are Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are also available online at markethall.org, or call 705-749-1146.
For all other inquiries, please contact Public Energy at 705-745-1788 (open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit www.publicenergy.ca.
Vincent Mantsoe – “NTU” and “Skwatta”
“NTU (nothingness)” and “Skwatta” reflect on his childhood in South Africa’s squatter camps. Both works are politically and socially charged, and Mantsoe is exhilarating and forceful. Expressive flashes of humour and moments of deep pain mark these often fragile and tortured journeys toward hope and salvation.
According to Dance Magazine, “Mantsoe is an artist of fierce uniqueness … He combines entertainment, history, and spirituality with an earthshaking expressiveness that audiences find irresistible.”
Mantsoe’s performances in Peterborough follow dates at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre before going on to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Montreal Arts Interculturel, and the Firehall Theatre in Vancouver.
Excerpt from “Skwatta”
“Marathon” – Aharona Israel
Israeli choreographer and performance artist Aharona Israel brings a unique background in architecture, design, and dance to the creation of this piece. The work is performed in a circular “arena” with the audience seated on all four sides. Originally performed in Hebrew, the work has been adapted to English for this tour.
More than a play, “Marathon” combines dance, theatre, and grueling physicality as a moving metaphor that reflects Israeli society and culture. In this remarkable performance the lives of the three performers are uncovered as they reach physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion in their struggle to continue running.
This exciting, visceral work reveals subconscious elements about life in Israel. The performers’ own stories reflect the constant sense of emergency and a desperate holding onto ideas and ideals.
Free public talks by Vincent Mantsoe and Aharona Israel
Public Energy’s commitment to providing a deep experience for audiences goes beyond viewing the work on stage, including hosting free public talks with visiting artists.
On Monday, February 2nd at 7 p.m., Vincent Mantsoe will speak about his journey out of the squatter camps to becoming an internationally renowned dance artist living in Paris. His talk will be at The First People’s House of Learning Gathering Space at Trent University (Room 103, Trent’s East Bank in the building shared with Gzowski College). It will be presented by the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) as part of their 25th International Development Week celebrations and include a performance excerpt and opportunity for discussion.
On Tuesday, February 10th at 7 p.m., Aharona Israel will be hosted by the Jewish Community Centre (775 Weller St., Peterborough). Israel will speak to a body of work that combines intimate research into body and movement with a strong sensibility to social and political themes. She is also a Qigong practitioner and member of Engaged Dharma In Israel, a group working toward peace in the Middle East.
