Photo: Jon McRae
assemble & new solo for Nasiv Kaur Sall
assemble is a full-length solo performance exploring intergenerational memory, loss, and the capacity of human beings to voyage inward; finding in themselves reserves of hope, joy, and personal growth even within times of struggle. The poetic work is set to a musical score by Sigur Rós and pianist Dustin O’Halloran and also weaves in a spoken word soundscape of Fletcher’s writings and reflections.
The explorations occur amidst a shifting, dreamlike space conjured by visual/set design and filmmaker Sylvain Senez and lighting designer Victoria Bell. As Fletcher progresses through the solo work, the state atmosphere around her transforms continuously through the multifaceted set, shifting lights, and projected film.
NEW ADDITION to this program is a new creation for emerging artist Nasiv Kaur Sall. Alexis and Nasiv will co-create a new solo work, performed by Nasiv, which will explore similar themes of intergenerational memory from Nasiv's unique perspective as a Punjabi-Canadian female artist.
The result is a powerful double bill of all-female solo voices. Lighting design by Victoria Bell adds her unique perspective as a trans woman, and rehearsal direction/dramaturgy by Jill Henis adds to this diverse team in a performance which celebrates the power and possibility inherent in female leadership.
** Please note that "assemble" can also stand alone as a full length 57 minute piece with no intermission.
Alexis Fletcher
Photo: courtsey of the artist
Project Created by: Alexis Fletcher (choreographer/performer)
Nasiv Kaur Sall (collaborator/performer)
Sylvain Senez (visual and set design/film)
Victoria Bell (lighting design)
Key Artistic Collaborators:
Alexis Fletcher - performer
Sylvain Senez - visual and set design/film
Victoria Bell - lighting design
Kate Burrows - costume design
Jill Henis - rehearsal direction/dramaturgy
Performance type: This work is built for theatre, adaptable to outdoor & alternative spaces, Full length program
How do you define this work: Contemporary dance, Multi-disciplinary performance, Mixed-media performance
Length of performance: 1 hour 30 minutes, with one intermission. (new work for Nasiv: approximately 25 minutes | Intermission | assemble: 56 minutes)
Audience type: General Audience
General Technical Requirements:
Lighting:
- At least one Martin MAC profile
- Leko on base plate with 70 or 90 degree lens
- Cyclorama on back wall of stage
- ChromaQ Color Force II 48s, to cover the bottom of the cyc and one in the top USL
- 36 deg Leko Shins in each wing
- Ability to recreate or emulate lighting plot from the Faris attached
Set:
- Black dance floor covering the whole stage.
- Black drapes to cover the set pieces.
- Curtain in front of Cyc
- Rigging for Lantern pulley
Sound:
- Full stage monitors
- Functioning subwoofers (preferred to be under stage or under seats)
- Stereo DI to play sound from QLab
Projections:
- In house projector (at least 8000 lumens) for main upstage cyc. With dowser or internal shutter
- Computer capable of running Qlab 4 or 5 with no frame lag
- 4 x HDMI and 2 x CAT cables
- 2 x HDMI to CAT Adapters
Does the work require tech residency: A tech residency is necessary for this work, with a minimum of 1-2 days for load in/tech rehearsal prior to first performance.
We are happy to provide a student dress rehearsal or other outreach during this time upon discussion with the presenter.
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 2
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 4 (lighting director, stage manager, rehearsal director, production manager)
Availabilities: 2024 Spring Season (Mar- June), 2024/25 season, & 2025/26 season
A dance artist, creator, and producer, I have danced with Ballet BC for 14 years and subsequently have been a guest artist and Artist in Residence. Now independent, I hold the position of Artist in Residence at Vancouver’s Chutzpah! Festival. My creations have been supported by Dance Victoria, Ballet BC, Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Presentation House Theatre, New Works, Vernon Performing Arts Centre, The Gordon Smith Foundation, Dancing on the Edge, InFrinGing Festival, and Shadbolt Centre. As a freelancer, I am currently dancing with Re:Naissance Opera, zoe | juniper, and Wen Wei Dance.
As a producer, I have co-created an outdoor, site-specific multidisciplinary performance space and series with my husband, Sylvain Senez, at our home in Vancouver, called The Dance Deck.
I am fascinated by how exploring the movement potential of the human body becomes a way of accessing the inner landscapes of our spirits and psyches, and this is the primary motivation behind my physical practice and choreographic interests. I believe that dance is a unique vehicle with which to share, research, and discuss our humanity, and a powerful and distinct tool for communication and connection.
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
Everything and Nothing
World Premiere commissioned by Peter Bingham/EDAM choreographic series March 15th, 2023
All my being is a dark verse (Co-creation with Arash Khakpour)
World Premiere, November 9th, 2023
Chutzpah Festival
to which you have turned
World Premiere commissioned by Lamondance pre-professional company June 3-4, 2022
assemble
Choreography and Performance: Alexis Fletcher
World Premiere January 13-15, 2022, Presenting Sponsor Ballet BC
The Dance Centre, Vancouver BC
light in the rafters
Vancouver and Stage Premiere
In collaboration with Tiko Kerr and Sylvain Senez
Chutzpah Festival, November 2021
Tuning
Choreography: Vanessa Goodman/Action at a Distance
Preview: Dancing on the Edge, July 2021
World Premiere, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, February 24-26, 2022
Project Details
Community Engagement
We travel with a team that can provide artist talkbacks/interviews/audience engagement in both English and French, as well as movement workshops in:
- ballet
- contemporary
- improvisation
- repertoire workshops
- choreographic workshops
Our team is always willing and open to discussing the needs and desires of presenters with regards to community engagement.
Contact information
Alexis Fletcher, alexisstarfletcher@gmail.com
Website: https://www.alexisfletcher.ca/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexisstarfletcher/