Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts
Artists
Astra Dance Company
One of the project lines for the Astra Dance Company is the re-creation of some of the most absorbing films of the Silent Era as dance-dramas. Nosferatu and Metropolis come at once to mind in this connection, but The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari seemed to deserve to be first in line.
With this, its fourth production of story-dance theater, the Astra Dance Company moves from its former sources in the short story (Astra von Berlifitzing, Eleonora) and in poetry (I Dreamed I Spoke in Another’s Language) to the classic silent film: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari!
The Second City's PRINCESS POLLY & THE WORLD'S SMALLEST NINJA
Amanda Martinez
Imagine a beach-side Mexican cafe or a smoky jazz club in Barcelona - Amanda’s music transcends borders. Taking inspiration from her Mexican/South African heritage, her lush, rich songs have brought her to the 2011 PanAm Festivities in Guadalajara Mexico, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Festivities in South Africa, Toronto’s Koerner Hall, the Montreal Jazz Festival and New York’s iconic Blue Note club. Her trademark warm vocals, and rich melodies have made hers the sought-after voice for Putumayo’s Bossa Nova Around the World and upcoming Latin Dreamland album. Amanda’s artistic goal is to represent her quintessential Canadian heritage to stages around the globe.
Pear
PEAR is a dynamic, high-energy act that fuses country, pop, and roots into a playful and exciting performance. As veterans of the stage with their touring experience with Billboard-topping “Barrage” and many major acts, husband and wife team Denis and Lynae Dufresne command audiences around the globe. As vocalists and award-winning multi-instrumentalists, PEAR performs from duo to six-piece configurations, from short 20-minute showcases, to 90-minute concerts. PEAR is looking to expand their presence deeper into Ontario, building on the radio, television and touring success they have found across Canada, particularly in this province.
Robert Post
Robert Post is a brilliant physical comedian with a stunning theatrical mind. Combine a quart of dry humor with three tablespoons of expert mime, versatile acting, and skilled juggling; add a keen sense of satire and the absurd. Blend in splendid timing and experience, and what do you get? A host of unforgettable characters at the perfect comedy feast!
Post has performed in almost every conceivable setting including major festivals, concert halls, dinner theaters, prisons, factories, schools, corporate retreats, TV commercials, homeless shelters, cruise ships, with symphony orchestras, and more. An alumnus of the Affiliate Artists program, he has received numerous awards and fellowships and has toured his performances to forty-five states, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Russia. Since 1994, his work has been seen across the US and in Canada on national television (PBS) in an award-winning special, “Robert Post - In Performance.” Post’s one-man show was presented by Broadway’s New Victory Theater to rave reviews and sold out houses.
Darrelle London
Find The Others
Andy Sheppard has christened his latest project Find The Others. It’s an intriguing blend of acoustic songwriting, layered soundscapes, mysterious lyrics, and mesmerizing visuals.
Direct Current Music calls it “a potent, quietly mind-blowing cocktail as stately chords chime off the frets, hang in the air surrounded by looped samples and voices from old movies then drift off before being joined by Sheppard’s own distinctive, intimate vocal melodies.” Sheppard is joined by drummer and percussionist extraordinaire, Mark Mariash (Sarah Slean, Ron Sexsmith).
Molly Thomason
Molly Thomason is an exciting, up-and-coming talent and has already achieved national recognition as a performer, songwriter and recording artist. Artists like Bob Dylan and Metric influence her music, and her vocal style is free-range, in the manner of a young Van Morrison. While Molly’s first two recordings saw a young artist eager to experiment with different styles and influences, her third is a full-on rock record produced by John-Angus MacDonald (The Trews). Molly’s destiny is a future filled with music; it will be an exciting journey to witness.
