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Nogojiwanong Rite of Spring is a site-specific dance performance created by Brian Solomon and members of the community. The performance is a re-envisioning of the 1913 early modern ballet, Rite of Spring, via a contemporary Anishinaabeg lens, featuring Igor Stravinsky’s seminal score reimagined by Melody McKiver. It will be performed by community members and professional dance artists, taught via an open rehearsal/workshop process over the duration of Brian Solomon’s six-week artistic residency with Public Energy. It will take place on a downtown Peterborough parking lot that is an Anishinaabe burial site.

Brian Solomon is of Anishinaabe and Irish descent, born and raised in the Northern Ontario community Shebahonaning-Killarney. Solomon is passionate about helping people relearn about their forgotten bodies, and take back the space those bodies occupy. Solomon’s residency is supported by Trent University and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

Melody McKiver is a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe violist, composer, powwow dancer and media artist, and is a member of Obishikokaang Lac Seul First Nation. They live in Treaty #3 territories in Sioux Lookout, northwestern Ontario.

During Brian Solomon’s six-week residency at Public Energy, in September and October, he will be teaching workshops with the
Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. He will also lead an additional six movement workshops for community organizations in Peterborough, including: Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Yes Shelter For Youth And Families, LOFT Downtown Youth Space, and the New Canadians Centre in partnership with Voice of A Nation.

Nogojiwanong Rite of Spring is generously supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, Trent University, The Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University, Artspace and the Downtown Business Improvement Area.