Shumka and Running Thunder Dancers collaborate in ‘Ancestors and Elders’

The Ukrainian dance group, Shumka, and the Running Thunder Dancers are collaborating to create a unique production coming to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in late April.

Ancestors and Elders is the production that Shumka and the Running Thunder Dancers are bringing to the stage on April 27 and 28. This collaboration will create the first production of its kind here in Alberta.

It tells the stories of both the first Ukrainian immigrants to Canada and the First Nations people they came across. It explores the hardships and connections between the two communities, and remembers the people who came before them and the traditions that were set.

Adrian LaChance, the manager of the Running Thunder Dancers, believes that this production will be one for the books. “We’re going to be apart of history, but also kind of setting the standards, setting the bar on how two cultures can work together cohesively for the betterment of the community.”

This production is a collaborative masterpiece that has been in the works for over three years. It has over 40 Alberta-based designers, artists, story-tellers, musicians and dancers on board working together to make a production that will captivate the audience.

Shumka’s artistic associate, Joseph Hoffman, speaks about the complex elements in the show.

“This is the most elaborate production that I’ve ever been a part of in my eight years with Shumka technically, in terms of use of unique lighting effects, projections, video elements and things like that and how that’s presented.”

They hope that Ancestors and Elders will spark a conversation during this time of reconciliation in Canada, by helping people relate to seeing a more personal side to the struggles that these generations went through. You can purchase tickets for the show here.

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