Ancestors & Elders returns in 2019

One Public Show Only

Friday March 8 7:30 p.m.

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY JANUARY 4

School Matinees

Thursday March 7, 2019

Performances at 10:00 a.m. SOLD OUT

and 1:00 p.m. GOOD SEATS STILL AVAILABLE

Download the Ancestors and Elders Matinee Ticket Order Form

“..a historic union of Cree, Ukrainian Cultures. So powerful at times I could barely breathe.” –Audience Member in 2018

Two cultures. Different legacies. New connections.

Shumka presents Ancestors & Elders… exploring the power of tradition and truth. In a world premiere production featuring a cast of Shumka Dancers and multidisciplinary Indigenous artists, we share a story of the first Ukrainian newcomers to Canada, exploring the shared values and respected differences between these hopeful settlers and the First Nations people they encounter in a new land.

Survival, for both Indigenous and Ukrainian immigrant people in Alberta, often meant silence: lost stories and connections between our communities help us all survive tremendous loss and struggle. We use dance to begin to break that silence; to remember those who came before us, the traditions they instilled, and the truths they endured.

Ancestors & Elders is directed by Indigenous theatre artist Barry Bilinsky and Shumka’s Joseph Hoffman, with a creative team of over 100 Alberta-based designers, artists, story-tellers, musicians and dancers.

Production Photos from April 27 and 28 World Premiere, Edmonton.

Read the Playbill here for artists bios and show information

Photos by Marc J. Chalifoux Photography

Funders to date

After a very successful premiere, SHUMKA’S Ancestors & Elders is now looking at touring opportunities. For more information, contact darka.tarnawsky@shumka.com

“What a brilliant and excellent weaving of cultures so powerful at times I could barely breathe. I was transported into an emotional and sacred and beautiful healing of reconciliation. Thank you Thank you.” – Opening Night Audience Member

“Shumka’s Ancestors & Elders is a historic union of Cree, Ukrainian Cultures.” – Edmonton Journal

BEHIND THE SCENES Images in Rehearsal

Directors Joseph Hoffman and Barry Bilinsky presenting Ancestors & Elders to UofA SLAV 399 Early Ukrainian Canadian Culture class

January 30 2018