Uaajeerneq Workshop: Traditional Greenlandic Mask Dancing

Uaajeerneq Workshop: Traditional Greenlandic Mask Dancing taught by performance artist Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory

Where: Ottawa Dance Directive (Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave)

When: Monday, July 24, 2017 (1PM4PM)

Cost: $0

For Inuit students of the Ottawa School of Art.

All necessary materials provided.

Snacks provided.

In partnership with the Ottawa School of Art, SAW Gallery is hosting a 3-hour workshop on traditional Greenlandic Mask Dancing as part of the upcoming #callresponse exhibition (opening June 18, 2017 http://www.callresponse.ca). Taught by Iqaluit-based performance artist Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory, the art of uaajeerneq is a mix of dance, theatrical mask performing, and mask painting. It involves the performance of a wild array of expressions that play with the elements of fear, humour and sexuality. In being confronted by these often taboo emotions, viewers (and practitioners) of the dance are taught how to respond when faced with these emotions in real life. Through this workshop, participants will learn the cultural significance of this traditional Greenlandic mask dancing, how to paint the mask, and how to perform it!

The workshop will be followed by a food sharing event in collaboration with the Ottawa Inuit community.

About the Artist:

Laakkuluk Williamson-Bathory is an Inuit artist and performer of uaajeerneq, whose collaborative piece with Tanya Tagaq, Timiga nunalu, sikulu (My Body, the Land and the Ice) is in the upcoming exhibition #callresponse. An artist, actor, and founding member of Qaggiavuut! Society for a Nunavut Performing Arts Centre, Williamson-Bathory uses her art to dismantle stereotypes and foster Inuit art and culture within her community and throughout Canada.

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