Winter Moons by Neptune Theatre

Story by shalan joudry | Choreography by Sarah Prosper | Directed by shalan joudry

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Neptune Theatre is located on sacred land that has been the site of human activity since time immemorial. We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land.

As artists, we are grateful to work and build community here. As stewards of culture, we commit to continuing to improve our relations with Indigenous people and upholding values of collaboration and inclusivity in all that we do.

We recommend that masks be worn in our venues. As our theatres place the audience so close to the action on stage, masking helps protect not only audience members but also the actors, who cannot wear masks when performing. By keeping them safe, we all can help prevent COVID-related performance cancellations.

Any videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. The use of cameras, cellular phones, paging devices and all other recording devices is strictly prohibited in the theatre. Please ensure all cellular phones and watch alarms are turned off. Neptune Theatre is a scent-free environment.

Neptune Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional Artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. Neptune Theatre engages professional technicians represented by IATSE Local 680.

Neptune Theatre acknowledges the support of our government partners:

CAST

STORYTELLER LARA LEWIS

NUKUMIJ CHARLOTTE BERNARD

PAKO’SI DESNA “DEZ” MICHAEL THOMAS

AKNUTAWI’SKW I’THANDI MUNRO

NTUKSUINU SARAH PROSPER

WINTER MOONS TEAM

DIRECTOR SHALAN JOUDRY

CHOREOGRAPHER SARAH PROSPER

PROJECTION DESIGNER ANDY MORO

SET DESIGNER HOLLY MEYER-DYMNY

LIGHTING DESIGNER MACKENZIE CORNFIELD

COSTUME DESIGNER EMMA HASSENCAHL-PERLEY

STAGE MANAGER CHELSEA DICKIE

SET CREATORS: EVAN BROWN, FRANK MEUSE, HOLLY MEYER-DYMNY, JOHN THOMSON

COSTUME CREATORS: KIWNIK JOUDRY-MARTEL, ROSE MEUSE, MICHELLE ROY

CULTURAL ADVISORS : WAPNA’KIKEWI’SKWAQ (WOMEN OF FIRST LIGHT), AND CATHERINE ANNE MARTIN

MUSIC : ROSE MEUSE (FLUTE), SHALAN JOUDRY (DRUM, CHANT)

DRAMATURGE: BURGANDY CODE

MASK/MOVEMENT COACH: ANN-MARIE KERR

VOCAL COACH: SUSANNE LITKE

PERCUSSION COACH: MATT MEUSE-DALLIEN

ACCESSIBILITY CONSULTANT: AYOKA JUNAID

NESTUITA’SI STORYTELLING OFFICE: NADINE MILLET AND MALAIKA JOUDRY-MARTEL

This dance theatre piece follows the teachings of L’nu (Mi’kmaw) fire keepers carrying an ember through the winter seasonthree moons of winter.

Legends, star stories, and contemporary dance expresses the harsh realities of living off the land in a long ago Mi’kma’ki winter. If the group was able to keep the ember going until the Spring Equinox, there is a celebration to honour them and the return of spring.

WELA’LIOQ (thank you all) :

We thank the performers themselves who helped create their characters and dialogue. Language supports for this show were Andrea Simon and Kenny Prosper. Additional helpers with set, props and costumes were: Theresa Meuse, Bonnie Labrador, Ann Labillois, Michele Graveline, Darlene Gilbert, and Grace Keating.

We are so grateful for the people and organizations who participated in the research and creation phases in 2022 and 2023.

We also acknowledge the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Arts NS, and the Office of L’nu Affairs. And thanks to additional sponsorship from Cidel.

MI’KMAW WORDS:

Nukumij (“my-grandmother”)

Ntuksuinu (character name “hunter”)

Aknutawi’skw (character name “messenger-woman”)

Muin (“bear”)

Pako’si (character name / a type of medicine plant)

Weli-wela’kw (“it’s a good evening”)

Jikoqs (encased ember)

Mawi pekiji-wela’kw (“longest night” = Winter Solstice)

Ajimpa (“go to sleep”)

Kesike’wiku’s (“winter moon” = December-ish)

Pnamujuiku’s (“frost fish moon” = January-ish)

Apiknajit / Apuknajit (“snow blinder” = February-ish)

Siwkewiku’s (“coming-of-spring moon” = March-ish)

Pjila’si/Welcome to Neptune Theatre!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

We are so excited to be presenting Nestuita’si Storytelling’s production of Winter Moons. This beautiful show created by shalan, Sarah and the whole team is an artistic marvel. I had the pleasure of watching a workshop performance of this production last Fall and have thought of it often as I experienced my first winter on the East Coast/Mi’kma’ki. This show celebrates the wisdom, innovation, culture and connection to the land and each other in a way that speaks to all.

We are honoured to host the premiere of this production at Neptune, and to partner with the Prismatic Arts Festival to present this beautiful and important work. I highly encourage you to learn more about this creative team, and their work by visiting www.shalanjoudry.com/nestuitasi

Wela’lin/thank you for being here.

Kimberlee Stadelmann Executive Director

STARTING AT

PRESENTS BEFORE ELLA , TINA , BILLIE OR BEYONCE THERE WAS

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY SEAN CHEESMAN A MUSICAL CELEBRATION THAT COMBINES CABARET, THEATRE AND DANCE TO TELL THE STORY OF THE ICONIC JOSEPHINE BAKER

As we come to the end of Prismatic 2024, we are thrilled to introduce the last performance as a part of our Beyond the Festival series.

I am deeply honored to introduce Winter Moons, a performance that embraces the resilience and wisdom of the Mi’kmaw people as they navigate the winter moons with spirit and strength.

Produced by Nestuita’si Storytelling, this compelling dance-theatre piece, created by shalan joudry and choreographed by Sarah Prosper, illuminates the beauty of survival, community, and the timeless relationship between land and people.

Our partnerships with artists reflect the deep-rooted connections we strive to build within the arts community. We are so inspired to work alongside creators whose values include commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. We also believe in fostering artistic relationships that go beyond performances, nurturing bonds with artists to amplify their work that uplifts and honors their visions.

In partnership with Neptune Theatre, we are grateful to witness such a vibrant gathering of Mi’kmaw talent on stage, bringing these stories to life. Thank you to shalan joudry, Sarah Prosper, and all the artists for sharing your craft and making space for us to connect.

Winter Moons honors the endurance of Indigenous ways, and it invites us to reflect on the warmth of our collective ember that carries us all through to a brighter season.

With warmth and gratitude,

Raeesa Lalani Artistic Director Prismatic Arts Festival

Lara Lewis (she/her)

ROLE: Storyteller NEPTUNE: Debut

Lara Lewis is a theatre artist, art model, and administratrix living in Kjipuktuk. She is the interim general manager at the Bus Stop Theatre Co-operative, where she previously sat on the board for 5 years. In theatre, Lara works as an actor, writer and dramaturge, and through her independent work and work as the Associate Artistic Director of the Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre, she has worked with writers of new plays from across the country and internationally. In her free time, she enjoys fibre arts and organizing film screenings. Lara is an off-reserve member of Glooscap First Nation. Upcoming: 2025 regional tour of Fruit Machine (Solo Chicken Productions)

Charlotte Bernard (she/her)

ROLE: Nukumij NEPTUNE: Debut

Kwe, I have played in the Winter Moons workshop, outdoor edition in the fall of 2023 in L’sitkuk (Bear River) NS. I also do cooking videos which I share. I am from Sipekne’katik, NS. but have resided in Kjipuktuk for 38 years. I am a Knowledge Keeper and share the culture in many ways. I am an avid beader and have created many beautiful earrings and bracelets. My greatest creations have been my children and grandchildren. Wela’lin.

Desna “Dez” Michael Thomas (he/they/nekm)

ROLE: Pako’si NEPTUNE: Debut

Kwe’, Ni’n teluisi Desna “Dez” Michael Thomas. I am from Eskasoni First Nation in Unama’ki/Cape Breton. This is my first time working with shalan joudry and Neptune Theatre. In the past I’ve worked with our choreographer, Sarah Prosper, on her own production called Mimikej at the Highland Arts Theatre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You may have remembered me from Bretten Hannam’s Mi’kmaq Two-Spirit/Queer film Wildhood, as I played the hilariously Two-Spirited storekeeper, which I was later nominated for Outstanding Performance by ACTRA Maritimes. Outside of the world of theatre, I am the fun, feathery and comedic Drag King Cicero Crow, and I traveled all around the maritimes spreading the message of love, laughs and music with my fellow Drag Queen and partner in crime, Nykitene. Nyki and I are the leaders and parents of our own drag family which we called, The Haus of Chaos.

THE CAST / CREATIVE TEAM

I’thandi Munro (she/her)

ROLE: Aknutnawi’skw NEPTUNE: Debut

I’thandi Munro is an award winning professional performance and visual artist. She has a BFA from NSCAD and movement is at her core of making. Munro uses the representation of line and lineage as underlying concepts in her fine art, craft, photography and dance. Continuously merging different mediums into finished pieces there is always a sense of multiplicity within her work, she leaves space for her pieces to naturally evolve through reaction and discussion. Munro creates an ever-changing body of work that can be explored and realized in different ways.

Sarah Prosper (she/they/nekm)

ROLE: Choreographer, Ntuksuinu NEPTUNE: SAMQWAN

Sarah Prosper, of the Eskasoni Mi’kmaw First Nation, NS, is an Amalkewinu (dancer), holding a BSc Therapeutic Recreation, and is currently working on an MA. Her first work as an artistic director and choreographer is the Merritt Award winning show, SAMQWAN (2021-2023 at Highland Arts, Neptune, Stratford Festival and 2023 Canada Games). Her most recent work was MIMIKEJ (2024), along with collaborative roles in various productions. Sarah is known for her popular dance workshop Moving in Mi’kma’ki. Her practice embodies lenses of respect and reciprocity, to Mi’kmaw dance, movement, social justice, mental health and the land.

shalan joudry (she/her)

ROLE: Playwright, Director NEPTUNE: KOQM

shalan is a multi-disciplinary storyteller. After completing the Native Theatre School summer program, she worked as a professional oral storyteller and ecologist for over 15 years. shalan brings L’nu (Mi’kmaw) teachings into the way she writes, collaborates and produces contemporary theatre. Her theatrical show, KOQM (Produced by her company Nestuita’si Storytelling and supported by Two Planks and a Passion Theatre), won the 2023 NS Merritt theatre award for best new play (playwright) and was nominated for Best Production. shalan lives with her family in their community of L’sitkuk (Bear River First Nation, NS.)

Chelsea Dickie (she/her)

ROLE: Stage Manager

NEPTUNE: Little Thing Big Thing, Joyride, KOQM

Chelsea is a multifaceted arts manager and educator based out of Kjipuktuk/Halifax, originally from South Maitland, NS. She works all across Mi’kma’ki with different companies in a wide range of roles. Stage and production manager, arts administrator/manager, drama educator, and outreach coordinator. She is also a founder and producer for her own indie theatre company Matchstick Theatre, which has staged 14 major productions since 2017, all of which Chelsea stage managed. Chelsea is so excited to be back with the Nestuita’si team, and so deeply honoured to be working on this beautiful production.

Andy Moro (he/him)

ROLE: Projection Designer

NEPTUNE: Last Epistle of Tightrope Time

Co-founder/director of ARTICLE 11 with Tara Beagan RECENT: Raven Mother (Dancers of Damelahamid) šɛgatəm (Royal Winnipeg Ballet/New York City Centre), Das Rheingold (Edmonton Opera) Strategy of War (Downstage), Rise Red River (ARTICLE11), Last Epistle of Tightrope Time (Neptune/Tarragon/ NAC), PISUWIN (Atlantic Ballet), Extractionist, (Vertigo) Ministry of Grace, Reckoning, ROOM, Declaration, Deer Woman (ARTICLE 11), Honour Beat (Theatre Calgary) Post Mistress, Rez Sisters (RMTC), Unnatural & Accidental Women (NAC), War Being Waged (PTE), Time Stands Still, O’Kosi (MT7), SkyDancers (Anowara), BloodWaterEarth, Blood Tides, Mush Hole (Kahawi Dance). FILM/VIDEO: RECKONING (ARTICLE 11) Road to Hasalala Danxalax (Chan Ctr/Marion Newman)

Holly Meyer-Dymny (they/she)

ROLE: Set Designer

NEPTUNE: Billy Elliot The Musical, The Full Monty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

OTHER THEATRE: Dance Nation (Keep Good/HEIST); In My Own Little Corner (EveryBODY on Stage); The Wind in the Willows (Two Planks and a Passion); Into The Woods (The Grand Theatre); The Fourposter, Death Trap, Pygmalion (Classic Theatre Festival); Pippin, (Sheridan Theatre); Legally Blonde, The Penelopiad, Titus Andronicus (Hart House Theatre); Crypthand (Galeforce/Ships Company Theatre); Tosca, Into The Woods, Phantom of the Opera (Opera on the Avalon); Angel’s Bone (Sound The Alarm, Loose Tea); Llandovery Castle (Opera Laurier), La Traviata (Loose Tea Musical Theatre)

MacKenzie Cornfield (she/her)

ROLE: Lighting Designer

NEPTUNE: KOQM (Lighting Design), The Last Show On Earth™ (Assistant Video/Projection Design).

OTHER THEATRE: STORM (Christina Martin), ‘Til Death Do Us Part (Ship’s Company Theatre), Memories Beyond the Grave (Independent Production), Market Dances (Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal), Skywhispers (Breaking Circus), At This HourTour (Zuppa Theatre). TRAINING: Technical Theatre and Stage Design at Fountain School of Performing Arts. OTHER: MacKenzie is so grateful for the trust and care of this team, and for the opportunity to learn. You can find samples of MacKenzie’s design work at mackenziecornfield.com