"SPIRIT OF THE NARROWS"

"SPIRIT OF THE NARROWS" is the story of a journey--from present to past and back, from one state of mind to another, and from one culture to another, even while these cultures, Native and Euro-Canadian, permeate and intertwine with each other on the Canadian prairies. Through one woman's eyes, it is the story of a music and of the people who created it, and who, against all odds, continue to play it. The music is like no other, embodying aspects of Ojibwa, Cree, Scottish, French, English, American and eastern European traditions, a uniquely Canadian music played on a small box with four strings. In the mid-80's, Anne Lederman went to Ebb and Flow, Manitoba, to record Native and Métis fiddlers. While making those historic recordings, she entered a world very different from her own. Although gritty at times, Spirit of the Narrows is alive with humour, insight and respect. It is both a personal journey, and a tribute to the people and the music she came to know.

About Spirit of the Narrows: The show began as a solo storytelling/fiddling performance, but was re-written in 2004 as a two-person theatrical event for the Blyth Theatre Festival. It premiered at the Festival on July 20, and got such rave reviews over its initial 5-day run that it was brought back in 2005 for another successful run.

The CAST:
Capucine Onn - Young Anne
Anne Lederman - As herself, and a host of other fiddlers

The TEAM:
Directed by: Gil Garratt
Lighting: Leslie Wilkinson
Set and Costume Design: Sean Kerwin

 

"It is a wonder how she makes it real
Validates the story with music somehow old as culture
There is a whirling magic set in motion
Which spins between her fingers on the fiddle neck
Her dancing feet below the chair
And the flying bow upon the strings.
This central performance of story is a rapport
Which draws the spirit of those who watch, listen,
And experience the moment in its magic.*"

*Barry Milliken

For further information on the show, or to discuss future bookings of it,
Contact: The Blyth Festival
email: info@blythfestival.com