PROGRAM notes

PRESENTED BY CITY OF TORONTO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TOES FOR DANCE, WITH SUPPORT FROM ĀNANDAṀ

running from and towards

running from and towards is an odyssey into the unknown, a dance with the immaterial, a meditation on paradoxical truth. A cyclical journey trying to find itself. A western contemporary dance piece, running from and towards invites the audience to consider the tension of inactivity, mysteries of faith, and patient waiting.

Choreographer and Performer: Rakeem Hardy

Outside Eye: Katherine Semchuk

Music: William Basinski, Anohni, Roberto Musci, Nina Simone, Samora Pinderhughes, Ana Roxanne 

Lighting Design: Gabriel Cropley

A special thank you to Sully Malaeb Proulx for supporting this process.

Intermission (20 mins)

Muhandis

Muhandis, meaning "architect/geometer” in Arabic, conveys principles of Indo-Islamic geometry and architecture through choreographic exploration. This piece is inspired by the intricate jaalis (perforated stone screens) seen throughout iconic edifices in South Asia. It is said that these screens were designed with the aim to create visual illusions for its viewers. 

Muhandis draws from this intention and embodies it through space, time, and rhythm. The performers collaboratively shape, expand, and dissolve structured geometries that bring their surroundings and dancing bodies to life. The space is held as a living matrix, where Kathak is manipulated from its foundations into more complex forms, all while being connected to the precision of architectural craft.

Choreographer: Tanveer Alam

Dancers: Raghav Monga, Sukriti Sharma, Anjali Tanna, Priyanka Topé

Music Composer: Pavithra Chari

Dramaturg: Harikishan S Nair

Rehearsal Director: Atri Nundy

Academic Consultant: Prof. Heba Mostafa

Costume Design: Aditya Garud

Lighting Design: Gabriel Cropley

Additional Funding: Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, TO Live Explorations Grant

UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

TOES FOR DANCE team

Executive/Co-Artistic Director, Residency Director:

David Norsworthy

Co-Artistic Director:

Chantelle Good

Community Arts, Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator:

Keira Marie Forde

Social Media and Digital Content Coordinator:

Shannon Widdis

Event Coordinator/Box Office Support:

Bri Clarke

Technical Director/Lighting Designer:

Gabriel Cropley

ASSEMBLY HALL TEAM

Community Cultural Coordinator:

Suzy Broderick

Arts Program Officer:

Zarita Adhiambo

Senior Arts Consultant:

Vanessa Higgs

Lead Technical Staff:

Abbey Kruse

Technical Assistants:

Donal Foley & Mya Martinez

TFD Board of DIRECTORS

Cory Boyd, Susan Colbert Wright, Miquelon Rodriguez, Ellis Martin-Wylie, Blessyl Buan, Carmelina Martin, Dianne Oliveira

Special Thanks

City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Department of Canadian Heritage/Canada Arts Presentation Fund, Assembly Hall, Brandy Leary, ĀNANDAṀ, Lakeshore Arts, Etobicoke Arts, Andrea Raymond-Wong