Jessica McMann Arts

iihksiisiinatsiistostiimao nipaitapiitsiin

Photo credits: Chris Randle

 

Jessica McMann Arts

Jessica McMann is a Cree (Cowessess, SK) musician, contemporary dancer and choreographer. She is also a classically trained flutist with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary and an MFA in Contemporary Arts from Simon Fraser University. Her recent compositions and soundscapes explore Indigenous identity and history. She is also co-founder and co-director Wild Mint Arts, an Indigenous arts company. Currently her personal experience, Two-Spirit identity, Cree and Blackfoot language, history of powwow and hoop dancing, and the strength of Indigenous women guide her current contemporary dance work. She works regularly with Elijah Wells, a Blackfoot animator to bring the stories of Transgender, Two-Spirit and Queer persons alive.

iihksiisiinatsiistostiimao nipaitapiitsiin

Choreography and soundscapes emerged from research in Indigenous research methodologies to create a framework of Indigenous Creation methods. Working within storytelling structures, Jessica has created a new work derived from land-based research and creation in Mohkinstsis and the Ghost River, interweaved with her personal histories of adoption and displacement and connection to the land. Soundscapes, visuals, and movement create an intimate space, where we witness a personal story that draws us into a different time. Work is presented in a blackbox studio or stage and requires a full scrim or min 8 foot wide screen that rests on the floor.

Photo credits: Yvonne Chew

 

Performance History of iihksiisiinatsiistostiimao nipaitapiitsiin

Excerpts shared at Matriarchs Uprising 2019 and IndigiDIV 2019 in Vancouver, and first iteration as part of a Master Thesis at Simon Fraser University, 2019.

 

Project Details

Project Created by:

Jessica McMann

Additional Key Artistic Collaborators:

Supervisor: Rob Kitsos

Outside Eye: Starr Muranko

Additional Support: Dr. June Scudeler.

Music, Video: Jessica McMann

Costume: Jessica McMann

Audience: General

Length in minutes: 60 minutes - Full-length work

Space required: This work is built for theater, studio, or if approved, art gallery.

Preparation required: 1 day is a preference, although it can be done in 4 hours.

General technical requirements: Projector and floor projector, Scrim/Screen must be on the ground so the image cast is on the ground. Sound in audience (ie; sitting in the round with speaker behind, or speakers placed in audience) Lights placed on the floor and one light placed at 5 feet high Stage Right

Availability: Season 2021/22 and Season 2022/23

Number of performers on tour including choreographer: 1

Number of support staff on tour: 1

Community Engagement Activities

Masterclasses for dance choreography students, dance students, composers Grade 11/12, and Post-Secondary programs (18+) $322/session up to 4 hours. In-person Lectures/Guest Speaking engagements for anyone who is interested. This is most appropriate Grade 10+, Post-Secondary, and open community opportunities. $322/session up to 4 hours. In-person or online Community level movement workshops are available for grade 3-12, Post-secondary, and open community classes. $300/dance workshop, 1 hr long. In person Hoop Dance workshops are available to only Indigenous students, families, and communities. $300/workshop, 1 hr. In-person and the community should provide the hoops during COVID-times.