Rita Sheena / come emote with me
EVERYBODY KNOWS -
A Leonard Cohen Musical
Photo: Kristine Cofsky
Rita Sheena works to imperfectly intersect dance art on film and stage for public consumption. With 30+ years of dance and theatre training in extensive styles, including Galen Hooks commercial dance in Los Angeles, and Laura June Albert movement research in Vancouver, Rita is eager to share her experiences with movers of all backgrounds and lovers of visual entertainment. Rita’s current fixation is with post-modern contemporary styles— blurring the lines between dance and pedestrian movement. And of course, Leonard Cohen.
EVERYBODY KNOWS - A Leonard Cohen Musical
EVERYBODY KNOWS is a funny, moody and evocative performance art show set to nine Leonard Cohen cover songs. In this semi-autobiographical, one-Woman cabaret, Rita Sheena creates a spiralling narrative using contemporary dance, post-modern quirk, and the haunting melodies of First Aid Kit.
Performance History
Previously presented EVERYBODY KNOWS - a Leonard Cohen Musical at the following Fringe Festivals:
Montreal June 8-18 2022, 6 shows, Conservatoire de Quebec
Edmonton August 11-22 2022, 6 shows, Gateway Theatre
Vancouver September 8-18 2022, 7 shows, Studio16 (6 shows), Leap Creative Studios (1 livestream show recording wi the live audience)
Vancouver September 2021, 6 shows, Revue Stage
Project Details
Project created by: Rita Sheena
Key Collaborators: Rita Sheena - performer, creator
Alexis Douglas- sound, lighting technician
Audience: EVERYBODY KNOWS is a experience for those that love dance, cheeky comedy, raw dramatic poetry, and quirk. With utmost admiration for her muse, Rita Sheena interprets the words of Leonard Cohen. 14+
Length in minutes: 60 minutes - Full length work
Space required: Built for theatre, but can be adapted anywhere.
Preparation required: In the past, 3 hours is very adequate for approx 40 lighting cues
General technical requirements:
1. Audio - plug and play the playlist
2. Lighting - lighting cues can be adapted (simplified) to stage, or site-specific location. Currently set for black box theatre, with 40 cues.
Availability: 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons
Number of performers on tour including choreographer: 1
Number of support staff on tour: 1
Community Engagement Activities
Master classes in contemporary dance (general dance to specific classes in improvisational styles involving cadence of poetry and/or spoken word).
Poetry / spoken word performance, without movement, also possible. All classes can be adapted for accessibility.
Lecture series and discussion facilitator: a literary and academic study and perspective, of the lifetime of work for Leonard Cohen.
Details of outreach activities specifics will depend on the community and nature of the presentation— engaging with enthusiasts ivf performance art, movement, poetry, music, and Leonard Cohen. Age demographics 14+, scheduling formats and fees flexible and negotiable. I am open to collaborate.
Contact: Rita Sheena, ritasheenamovement@gmail.com
Website: ritasheenamovent.com
Instagram: ritasheenamovement
Photo: Chloe Lam