Directed by Olga Barrios of Vanguardia Dance Projects in collaboration with Aanmitaagzi.

Toronto premiere, presented by Native Earth Performing Arts

Niimi’iwe Dance Double Bill

February 6th and 7th, 7:30 pm & February 8th, 2:00 pm

Aki Studio Theatre, 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto

Conversations was inspired by the investigation of “body and territory” by the Colombian-Canadian choreographer, Olga Barrios. This work springs forth from the women of many colours that she experiences in herself and the many other voices in the world that seek connection with ideas of traces erased from history.

In 2023, under the direction of Olga, the artists of Vanguardia and Aanmitaagzi came together with the desire to share, investigate and explore the land, people, culture and stories we are connected to. Looking at stories of displacement and erasure, Conversations is a journey through what has separated us from ourselves, and each other.

Through soil, fabric, land and water, the work Conversations reaffirms a sovereign right to ancestral memory, connection and future. It is a 60-minute performance rooted in dance.

Artistic Director Lilia Leon has performed in this work has since its inception. She is very much looking forward to helping remount it in 2026.