Phantom Stills & Vibrations

Places and bodies – broken, betrayed, defiled. Secret, hidden stories gush to the surface in Phantom Stills & Vibrations, an immersive experience that pays tribute to the victims of the former Pelican Falls residential school in Sioux Lookout in northwestern Ontario. A cultural genocide that continues, that leaves traces and open wounds. Inspired by visits to the land of her ancestors, choreographer Lara Kramer has crafted a performance art exhibit in collaboration with Stefan Petersen, a reminder of the repercussions of the traumas passed on from generation to generation.

A photograph of the former residential school (now a high school) and a soundscape of the north underpin a minimalist performance. Kramer portrays the excruciating reality of abused children and questions the possibility of moving forward. How can there be a rebuilding when violence is perpetuated? The exhibit stirs, disturbs, leads to reflection and meditation. A work of essential, powerful remembrance.

Produced by Lara Kramer Danse
Conceived and choreographed by Lara Kramer
Created and performed by Lara Kramer + Stefan Petersen
Sound Recording and Mixing Lara Kramer
Sound Editing Marc Meriläinen
Outside Eye Ida Baptiste + Patti Shaughnessy + Jacob Wren

Coproduction Darling Foundry + National Arts Centre
With the support of Trent University Ashley Fellowship
Creative Residency Darling Foundry

Diffusion MAI
Presented in association with Festival TransAmériques

Written by Elsa Pépin
Translated by Neil Kroetsch

Premiered at MAI, Montreal, on May 10, 2018