A Hen Called Freedom by Nicole Malbeuf
Part of Public Energy Performing Arts’ Pivot 2.0 Series
Created and performed by Nicole Malbeuf
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A Hen Called Freedom is a new artistic work presented by Nicole Malbeuf that explores the ethical nuances of animal husbandry in the agricultural system, particularly small-scale farming. Based on a true and personal story and Nicole’s experience working on small farms, the performance follows a misfit hen in her primal search for fulfillment and a farmer’s compassionate but complex relationship with this chicken. The story is performed using the rare circus discipline of hair suspension and is performed in a large textile-based installation.
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Stage Management, Rigger, Actor and Prop Maker: Patricia Thorne
Dramaturgy/Outside Eye: Monica Dottor
Dramaturgy/Outside Eye: Monica Dottor
Costume Consultation: Melissa Jones (MJ Designs)
Textile Consultation and Screen-Printing Collaborator: Lauren Nurse (Small Spade Farm)
Additional Print-Making Support: Myles Connor (Renegade Apparel)
Additional Textile Consultation with Leslie Menagh (Madder House)
Additional Textile Consultation with Leslie Menagh (Madder House)
Additional Support: Public Energy’s Artist In Residency Program
Rehearsal Assistant: Jeremy Pastic
Rehearsal Assistant: Jeremy Pastic
Installation Construction Assistant: Lizzie Metropolyt
Main Photo: Alexa Baker
Pivot 2.0 Series Technical Director: Patricia Thorne
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Music includes:
“Take This, Leave That” and “Aloha Supreme” by Christine Bougie
“Night Blooming/ Carousel 16” by George Winston
“If Melancholy Were Music” by Fabrizio Paterlini, edited and remixed by Nicole Malbeuf
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About Original Works:
Concept and creation by Nicole Malbeuf, including choreography, set design and construction, costume design and construction, voice and audio script.
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Nicole Malbeuf is a performer, mover, maker and instructor based in Peterborough, Ontario. With a diverse background in fine art, fashion and farming, Nicole brings a unique perspective to her work. She is considerate of colour and composition and fascinated with texture and medium. Her work often presents stories or concepts to demonstrate dualities found in the human experience and nature. When she is not developing her artistic work, Nicole works at growing her entertainment business, Trellis Arts & Entertainment. Trellis aims to inspire interest and engagement in the performing arts indiscriminately across demographics of Ontario, Canada.
Outside of her creative practice, she passionately instructs adult and teen circus classes at the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, and always thrilled to work with A2D2 Aerial Cirque Dance Co (Mississauga) as a company member aerialist. And when there’s time at the end of the day, she loves to putter in the garden, take dance lessons and hang out with her cat, chickens, family, friends and loving partner.
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Click here to browse the rest of the Pivot 2.0 performances
Pivot 2.0 is presented with support from the Government of Ontario’s Reconnect Festival and Event Program and the Peterborough Downtown BIA
