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EDMONTON'S EMERGING ARTS FESTIVAL
JUNE 1 - 11, 2023 // NEXTFEST.CA
EDMONTON'S EMERGING ARTS FESTIVAL
JUNE 1 - 11, 2023 / NEXTFEST.CA
11 DAYS
50+ EVENTS
500+ ARTISTS!
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO NEXTFEST
QUALITY PRODUCT. THOUGHTFUL DESIGN. CREATIVE AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE.
SHOW THIS AD FOR AN EXTRA 20% OFF ON SALE ITEMS UNTIL JUNE 15.
10414 82 AVE / 10442 82 AVE / GRAVITYPOPE.COM
FOOTWEAR / CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES
WELCOME...............................3
HOW TO NEXTFEST................6
OPENING CEREMONIES........12
THEATRE MAINSTAGE...........14
PROGRESS SHOWINGS..........22
THEATRE READINGS..............24
DIGITAL PROJECTS.................26
INSTALLATION........................29
SCHEDULE...............................30
SHOWCASES...........................32
NITE CLUBS.............................34
DANCE.....................................38
HIGH SCHOOL.........................44
FILM.........................................52
VISUAL ART.............................54
STAFF + VOLUNTEERS............57
SPONSORS..............................58
FESTIVAL IMAGE AND WORDMARK BY PSI LO
PUBLICATION DESIGN BY STEVEN TEEUWSEN
“Welcome to Nextfest
2023 and our beautiful
home, the Roxy Theatre
on 124th Street.
This year's festival
represents another
phase of enthusiastic
re-emergence as we
continue to wipe the
Covid sleep from our
eyes and experiment
with new ways of
collaboration- with this space and with
each other. Nextfest is for everyone to
enjoy. We are a platform for emerging
artists, a meeting ground for community,
and a springboard for creative invention.
Mentorship, inclusion, learning, creative
risk, and vulnerability are at the core of
everything we stand for. Our motto is "the
more the merrier," so whether it's taking
in a free workshop, grabbing a ticket to a
Nite Club, exploring our Visual Art Gallery,
attending a work in progress or a reading
in development, grooving to a concert, or
watching our astonishing performances,
you belong here with us: we want you here,
we need you here! Let's party, my pals!”
- Ellen Chorley (she/her), Festival Director
NEXTFEST.CA 3
WELCOME
C
4
TATAWAW
The Nextfest Arts Company acknowledges
that we are situated on Treaty 6 territory, the
home of the Nations of Cree, Nakota-Sioux,
Blackfoot, Dene, Tsuu T’ina, Metis, and other
Indigenous peoples who call this land home,
who have created and gathered on these
lands for thousands of years.
Read our full Treaty 6 Acknowledgment at
nextfest.ca/tatawaw-welcome/
Now Playing AT
Subscribe or Like
by liam salmon
THE WORLD PREMIERE of a
MULTIMEDIA DRAMA
Rachel and Miles work long hours
at low-paying jobs. Struggling to
find their place in the world, they
turn to the Internet and launch
their own video channel. How far
will they go for digital Fame And
fortune?
By Liam Salmon
Directed by Kate Ryan
Nextfest Artists receive $15 tix
at the door, with their program.
For information or to book tickets visit www.workshopwest.org
NEXTFEST.CA
NEXTFEST PROUDLY SUPPORTS
THE 35//50 INITIATIVE
Representation matters. The Nextfest
Arts Company is committed to the 35//50
Initiative, a coalition of IBPOC artists across
Alberta who believe in representation and
leadership as an actionable plan.
For more information about our pledge to
35//50, please visit
nextfest.ca/35-50-statement/
SAFE(R) SPACES
Nextfest is for all to grow, learn and inspire
each other for years to come!
Our Safe(r) Spaces policy has been
constructed to ensure the safety and
enjoyment of all persons involved with The
Nextfest Arts Company and develop a culture
of mutual respect throughout the organization.
The Nextfest Arts Company adheres to
Safe(r) Spaces Policies. To read our full
Code of Conduct and Safe(r) Spaces
policy or submit an anonymous Safer
Spaces report, please visit nextfest.ca/
safer-space-and-code-of-conduct-policy/
R
E
A
T
E
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Ceramics • Drawing • Fibre
Glass • Jewellery & Metals
Media Arts • Painting
Print Media • Sculpture
Bachelor of Design
Photography • Visual
Communication Design:
Advertising & Graphic Design /
Character Design & Illustration
Master of Fine Arts
in Craft Media
Ceramics • Glass
Fibre • Jewellery & Metals
AUArts.ca/apply
@AlbertaUArts Calgary, Alberta
HOW TO NEXTFEST
Welcome to Nextfest 2023! Eleven days, hundreds of emerging artists, and infinite
ways to dive into new unforgettable experiences. Before you begin, here are some
things you need to know to make the most of your Nextfest.
WE’RE IN-PERSON (AND ONLINE)
Can you believe we’re 28 already? In the new
era of Nextfest, we’ve continued to keep both
in-person performances and online projects
for all to enjoy. You can check out more about
Nextfest’s Digital Projects later in the program
or online at nextfest.ca.
GET YOUR TIX
Get your tickets (or pass) ready! Something
incredible is about to begin.
Want to see it all? We recommend
getting a festival pass and seeing
everything (every SINGLE thing) in
the festival - that’s 50+ events!
• Single Tickets - $14
• Festival Pass - $45
• Buy three or more tickets to one single
day and get 50% off!
Nextfest performances and events are ticketed
with Individual tickets on sale online at
theatrenetwork.ca, over the phone at
(780) 453-2440, or in person at The Roxy on
6 NEXTFEST.CA
124th (10708 124 St). The Roxy Theatre central
box office will open one hour before the first
ticketed performance of the day and close at
the start of the last performance that night.
GET EXPERIMENTAL WITH US
Looking for an experience that will make you
say “wow!” Nextfest is the festival for you.
Nextfest consists of new works presented as
events, performances, galleries, workshops,
mentorship opportunities, and infamous
Nite Clubs for you to enjoy. Your next ‘best
experience ever’ is waiting for you, take a
chance on Nextfest!
Join in on the best fest on this side of summer
by embracing the experimental with us
and uplifting new works. Take a risk on an
experience, make some friends, and see
creations that come straight from the minds of
the next generation.
Content warnings will be made available for
events. Have a question about a performance
or piece? Reach out to hello@nextfest.ca for
more information.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING, PLAYWRITING,
OR THEATRE PRODUCTION TRAINING FOR AGES 16-21!
APPLY
TODAY!
scan this QR code or type
bit.ly/youngcompanies
in your browser
HOW TO NEXTFEST
JOIN IN #NXTFST
Keeping updated on what’s happening
at Nextfest is easier than ever! We
invite you to be part of the movement
and celebrate local art.
Follow us on Instagram at @NextfestArtsCo,
Facebook as The Nextfest Arts Company, and
tag us when you’re exploring the festival. We
want to see how you Nextfest!
Or join our Nextfest newsletter to stay in the
loop about festival opportunities, events,
mentorships, giveaways, etc.
This isn’t your dad’s chainmail;
we’ll only update you on the
important stuff. We’re a cool
newsletter, we promise.
SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE —›
WORKSHOP SERIES
Build Skills. Spark Discussion. Refine
Practices. Get Involved. The Nextfest Arts
Company presents the Nextfest 2023
Workshop Series.
Workshops will invite dedicated professional
mentors and experts from the Edmonton arts
communities to teach, lead, and facilitate
workshops directed at artistic skill growth,
the business of being an artist, and the
sustainability of artistic careers.
8 NEXTFEST.CA
You don’t have to be a festival artist to sign up
for these workshops, but guess what? When
you sign up, you become an official festival
artist! Workshop attendees will be added
to the 2023 Artist List, and we’ll hook you
up with an all-access Festival pass and an
invitation to the closing party.
Workshops are free for all. Want a list of all
of the workshops? You can learn more and
sign up on our website at nextfest.com/
workshopseries.
Sign up soon - all slots are on a first-comefirst-served
basis, and space is limited.
ADOPT A NEXTFEST ARTIST!
Emerging Artists Need Your Help!
Every June, Theatre Network's sister company
The Nextfest Arts Company provides
emerging artists a place to present their
work, as well as professional development
opportunities to help them grow in their
careers. People always say 'It takes a village,'
and so we're reaching out to ask that you
adopt a Nextfest artist in 2023.
When you adopt an artist for $100, you'll
receive an exclusive Nextfest t-shirt, an allaccess
Festival Pass to Nextfest 2023, and a
tax receipt for your donation. Plus, you and
your artist(s) name will be displayed together
in our adopt an artist listing at The Roxy.
For more information, visit
theatrenetwork.ca/adoptanartist.
Curated by community, not algorithm.
Edmonton’s only nonprofit
arthouse cinema
Independent New Releases
Family Favourites
Cult Classics
& more!
8712 109 St. | metrocinema.org themetrocinema
HOW TO NEXTFEST
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
The Roxy Theatre is wheelchair and mobility
aid accessible at every level. Wheelchair
stalls in both venues at The Roxy can be
booked online or by phone.
We recommend booking in advance if you
require a wheelchair stall. Theatre Network is
happy to provide a free ticket for attendants
of those requiring a wheelchair stall.
The Roxy Theatre is also fitted with singlestall
gender-inclusive accessible washrooms.
For more accessibility information about ASL
interpretation, DATS, and more please visit
nextfest.ca/accessibility/, or reach out to at
780.453.2440/boxoffice@theatrenetwork.ca.
If you have any questions or other
accessibility requirements, please contact
the box office by phone or email as well to
make sure we can meet your access needs.
NEXTFEST MURAL PROJECT
Nextfest is excited to be engaging in a new
mural on 124th Street for 2023. This project
is made possible with funding from the 124th
Street Business Association and Capital City
Clean-Up.
Stay tuned for more details on our website!
PARKING
Nextfest is returning to 124th Street, which
means parking is at a premium around The
Roxy. You can find a map of available parking
here: 124street.ca/parking.
But seriously, parking isn’t easy to find, so
we encourage you to take transit, carpool,
rideshare, or ride a scooter when you can.
Taking transit? To get to The Roxy Theatre
(10708 124 St) you can take…
• Route 7 (West Ed Mall to East) to stop 1808
• Route 901 (Jasper Place to East) to stop 1755
• Route 5 (Westmount to West) to stop 1846
Visit our website and
sign up to receive our
newsletters to get a
coupon code to shop
and save on art supplies.
@thepaintspot
www.paintspot.ca
10032 81 Ave
10 NEXTFEST.CA
GALLERY ART SUPPLIES ART CLASSES
OPENING CEREMONIES
12
WELCOME
Help us celebrate the launch of Nextfest
2023 at the Roxy on 124th Street. Join the
party and help start the festival off with a
bang! The Nextfest Opening Ceremonies
features dancing, music, performances, free
pizza, and the world premiere of the Nextfest
2022 Documentary. This is an all-ages event
you won’t wanna miss.
Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 pm
The Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy
Theatre
SCHEDULE
Opening Night Performance at 7:00 pm
World Premiere Screening of the Nextfest
Documentary at 8:00 pm
DJ and Dancing at 9:00 pm
featuring DJ GSam, Christina Hollingworth, Russel
Comrie, Captain Falafel, Velocity Complex, and
Jacquie Daniels
NEXTFEST.CA
NEXTFEST 2022 DOCUMENTARY
In 2022, the Nextfest Arts Company returned
to live festival after two years of online
programming. To celebrate the return to inperson
and the return to the Roxy on 124th
Street, a documentary was filmed about the
people of Nextfest.
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Art Supplies & Custom Framing
We offer discounts for students,
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@gilded_rabbit
thegildedrabbit
10104 149st www.thegildedrabbit.ca 780.481.6950
THEATRE MAINSTAGE
Theatre projects in all stages of
production are presented at Nextfest.
Grab your ticket and settle in for new
works from emerging artists.
A FATE WORSE THAN
DEATH
created and performed by Nisha Patel
Friday, June 2 at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, June 6 at 9:15 pm
Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
In her firstever
solo
mainstage
performance,
Nisha will
debut a
series of
spoken word
poems and
music that
weaves her
experiences as a disabled artist together to
answer the question of whether disabled life
is worth living. The audience will be asked to
witness disability as the artist does: through
pain, in the body and mind, and then outside
of it in a society that seeks its eradication. The
show will also profess to the love and joy of
disability, the need for disability justice, and
the beauty of desiring a disabled life.
Rose Fort Theatre Co. presents
JUST THE TWO OF US
by Alexandria Rose Fortier
directed by Mia Cooksey
featuring Tristan Amos, Alexandria Rose Fortier,
Jules Pepin, and Christina Hamer
Sunday, June 4 at 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 pm
Friday, June 9 at 5:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
The old adage
"You never know
what goes on
behind closed
doors," rings
true as we
peek behind
the curtain of
an intimate
relationship as
it crumbles and
fights to survive.
Welcoming
Nextfest back to
124 Street with
15%
OFF
Get 15% off dinein
food orders
during the festival!
Present this ad or a printed
copy to redeem. Offer valid
from June 1 - 11, 2023.
14
NEXTFEST.CA
10719 124 St • 780.452.5383 • koutouki.ca
THEATRE MAINSTAGE
THEATRE MAINSTAGE
SHE/THEY
by Madi May
directed by Daisy Brazil
Saturday June 3 at 6:00 pm
Tuesday June 6 at 7:00 pm
Wednesday June 7 at 5:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
Famed
feminist author
Agnes Arnold
has been
cancelled and
doxed. Gender
studies major
Pearl Arnold
has been
dumped and
shattered.
Pearl has
no time to
process their
breakup
because
Agnes, their
grandmother, is moving in. Full of hope
that her grand-“daughter” will validate her
outdated and bigoted opinions, Agnes is
shocked when Pearl pushes back. Soon,
they launch into a debate about feminism
and gender, but as the political becomes
personal, both Agnes and Pearl confront the
truth that they are far from ready to admit.
Cindy Rivers Comedy presents
THANKS FOR COMING
OUT
created and performed by Cindy Rivers
Sunday, June 4 at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, June 6 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 at 6:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
It’s not quite stand-up, it’s not quite a
monologue, it’s a standologue? A story
full of laughs and tears about being
transgender in Alberta and becoming a
comedian. This unique story is injected
with standup comedy to highlight the
trans experiences of Cindy Rivers.
Reasonable Productions presents
BLACK ALBERTA
by Bashir Mohamed
directed by Angie Bustos
featuring Marie Boston, Katelyn Cabalo,
Bashir Mohamed, and Angie Bustos
Saturday, June 3 at 12:30 pm
Sunday, June 4 at 5:00 pm
Thursday, June 8 at 9:00 pm
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
A young Black
Albertan
travels through
space and time
to learn about
and reckon
with Alberta's
history.
Featuring
the stories
of Charles
Daniels, Lulu
Anderson,
Ruhamah
Utendale, and
Ted King.
HYENA’S TRAIL
by Kijo Gatama
directed by Dr. Lebogang Disele-Pitso
featuring Noreta Lewis, Sokhana Mfenyana,
David Madawo, Kijo Gatama, Makeda
Romanetti, Ameley (Abigail) Quaye, Mpoe
Mogale, Rory Turner, Amy Dass, Mukonzi
Musyoki, Megan Gilron, and Kyle Smith
Saturday, June 3 at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 7 at 8:00 pm
(talkback to follow performance)
Saturday, June 10 at 5:00 pm
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
Hyena’s Trail is
a poetic drama
that reclaims a
classic take on
witches through
Eastern African
culture and
mythology. It
begins with a
Fisi (Hyena), a
mother, and her
daughters. Nya,
a young woman who has returned home from
studying abroad in Canada, is now a stranger
in her old home. She is caught entangled in a
secret she is ready to bury herself in. She has
caught the attention of the cackling maneater
itself, scavenging for remnants of a big
kill. Treachery they say unfolds on the laps of
those who plant a dark little seed.
16 NEXTFEST.CA
NEXTFEST.CA
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Take your place in the creative community! Apply by June 30.
MacEwan.ca/BFA
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THEATRE MAINSTAGE
Stretcher Hymen and Party Queens presents
THE MYS-QUEERY OF THE MISSING WIG:
DEADLIEST SNATCH
by Stretchen Hymen and Gemma Nye
directed by Stretcher Hymen
featuring Aboyactually, An Xia D, Audrina Linn,
Circules, Charli Darwin, Gemma Nye, Hot Wheelz,
Mars Dawn, Razz Pukin, Stretcher Hymen, Venus,
and Vespa
Saturday, June 3 at 4:30 pm
Wednesday, June 7 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 at 3:00 pm
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
When theatre
and drag collide,
your favourite
queer-coded
characters come
to life! Wanda
the famous drag
queen's new
human wig has
been stolen and
the villains of
Slays Ville are
the top suspects!
But who would
solve this mystery
best? Fred,
Daphne, Velma,
Shaggy, and Scooby -- the Mys-Queery gang,
of course.
Bat Rabbit Collective presents
RAT ACADEMY
created and performed by Dayna Lea Hoffmann
and Katie Yoner
directed by Joseph McManus
Friday, June 2 at 9:00 pm
Sunday, June 4 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 at 1:00 pm
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
Rat Academy
follows
Fingers
(Dayna Lea
Hoffmann), a
curmudgeonly
street rat with
a heart of gold,
who is the last
wild rat left in
Alberta. Or so
he thinks until
he discovers
Shrimp (Katie
Yoner), a
happy-golucky
lab rat
who recently
escaped by accident. Eager to preserve his
legacy, Fingers creates the Rat Academy to
train Shrimp along with the audience in the
ways of the cold, hard street rat.
Baker Miller Pink presents
(TAYLOR’S VERSION)
by Cayley Wreggitt
directed by Cayley Wreggitt and Samantha Ketsa
featuring Grace Fedorchuk, Donna Ng, Chelsea
Howell-Fellows, Nicole Logan, Megan Jovie, and
Joy Robinson
Friday, June 2 at 7:00 pm
Tuesday, June 6 at 6:00 pm
Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 pm
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
It’s a typical
Tuesday night.
Josie, Callie,
and a reluctant
Abigail invite you
to dress up like
hipsters, make
fun of their exes,
and adventure
through their
happy, free,
confused, and
lonely love stories. And by the way, they’re
going out tonight. (Taylor’s Version) joyfully
indulges in all things feminine, girly, and basic.
We would like to thank the masterminds
who worked on the previous version for their
fearless contributions to the show. We would
also like to thank our new romantics for making
the whole place shimmer. And did we mention
we polish up real nice? NICE!
20
NEXTFEST.CA
PROGRESS SHOWINGS
Shaktiflow presents
DRAUPADI
created and performed by Shrina Patel
Friday, June 2 at 4:00 pm
(talkback to follow performance)
Lorne Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
In India, she is
both worshipped
and feared.
Plucked from the
pages of classical
Indian mythology,
Draupadi is a story
about a woman
who is forced into
a game that elicits
the war, the Great
Battle, known as
the Mahabharata.
Shrina Patel, actor,
and emerging
playwright, blurs history and pulls Draupadi
from myth into the present day. Weaving
dance and theatre, Shrina re-tells the fateful
night from Draupadi's perspective. Draupadi is
a familiar character, someone you may know
well or resonate with. Perhaps we have a little
Draupadi in all of us.
Walters and Watt present
WHAT WAS IS ALL
book, music, and lyrics by Walters and Watt
Sunday, June 11 at 2:00 pm
(talkback to follow performance)
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
Formerly titled ‘Host
Town’ at Nextfest 2022,
WHAT WAS IS ALL
is a folk-rock musical
written by Jacquelin
Walters and Michael
Watt. The story centres
around the remnants
- both material and
immaterial - and
residents - both living
and dead - of a small
town. The cast of
characters includes
a would-be, disenfranchised spiritual (cult)
leader; his long-suffering, faithless spouse;
a disenchanted, hopeless romantic; an
aimless, disillusioned heir; and a mischievous,
indifferent stranger. The struggle is one of
purposefulness, willfulness, and helplessness.
Each character explores their needs,
strengths, and weaknesses. It is a tragedy
from the outset but also a cautionary tale.
124 STREET & AREA IS THE DESTINATION FOR PATIO SEASON!
As the temperatures rise and the flowers bloom, it’s finally time to indulge
in the delights of patio season. Come enjoy delicious food and drinks on
124 Street & Area. Our neighbourhood is also the destination for shopping,
services, and art galleries. See you all on the neighbourhood!
Experience creative at 124STREET.CA
22 NEXTFEST.CA
THEATRE READINGS
24
POEMS I CAN'T READ
TO YOU YET
by Corine Demas
performed by Corine Demas and
Steven Darnels
Saturday, June 3 at 11:00 am
(talkback to follow performance)
Rehearsal Hall in the Roxy Theatre
“Love. Love. Love me damn it. I want you to
want me. Why don't you need me like I need
you?" In this 45-minute show, Corine Demas
will regale you with stories, poetry, and songs
about unrequited love and what it means to
get clear of it.
PageBound Productions presents
GHOSTLIGHT
by Bailey Bieganek
Saturday, June 10 at 12:00 pm (noon)
(talkback to follow performance)
Rehearsal Hall in the Roxy Theatre
Cas and Eva are looking for a theatre to be
their wedding venue. Well, Eva is looking – Cas
is less than thrilled by the idea. Cas just wants
NEXTFEST.CA
Staged Theatre Productions presents
CARTER AND THE TRAIN
by Grace Fitzgerald
featuring Ben Ali, Maya Wright,
Natasha Morra, and Teio Suyal
Sunday, June 4 at 11:00 am
(talkback to follow performance)
Rehearsal Hall in the Roxy Theatre
Carter is trapped in the tiny mountain town of
Frightened Man's Peak, forced to watch the
train surrounding its jagged cliffs pass every
day with no sign of stopping. But one day, he
meets someone. Someone who might just
teach him what it really means to be desperate,
to escape, and to try to jump a damn train.
Eva to be happy, and they’re willing to make
a few more sacrifices than they should to get
there. Happiness seems far away when the two
accidentally get locked in during their tour of
The Arthur Miller Theatre. What neither expects
is to find the theatre already occupied…by a
vengeful ghost on the hunt for love! A ghost
who is willing to do anything to get it.
TN SUMMER ACADEMY
July 24 - August 18, 2023
A unique opportunity for young theatre artists to gather, create and
perform a new play for the Edmonton International Fringe Festival that
runs August 17-27.
Supported by
https://theatrenetwork.ca/summeracademy
DIGITAL PROJECTS
The future is here at Nextfest.
Enjoy this year’s digital works
online at nextfest.ca.
ReadyGo Theatre presents
STAR SPAWN
featuring Erik Richards, Jeong Ung Song,
Frances Bundy, and Max Hanic
SheFromTheSea Productions
I HATE IT HERE
featuring Emily Anne Corcoran, Meegan Sweet,
Kaeley Jade, and Jezec Sanders
“Turns out hell is
a place on earth…
and it’s a f*cking
high school.” At
least it is for Liv, a
recently deceased
ne’er-do-well
who has until her
timer runs out to
become a better
person or be stuck
in hell for eternity.
Carter was abducted by aliens when he was
twelve years old and no one believes him, not
even his best friend Evan. At fourteen, Carter
struggles with nightmares and paranoia,
maybe from his abduction, or maybe from
the joints he and Evan smoke when they
sneak out every night. Either way, Evan is all
that Carter has and he's counting on him for
reassurance of his supernatural encounter.
THE COST OF KNOWING
Acrylic paint on canvas board
by Amelie Snowdon
Artist statement: Each piece in this set is
based on a different unethical psychological
experiment, as I find it interesting to wonder
about what caused people to sacrifice morals
for discovery.
26 NEXTFEST.CA
DIGITAL PROJECTS
GDANSE PRODUCCIONES presents
¿CUBA QUE LINDA ES CUBA?
CONFESSIONS OF A
FEARLESS CUBAN
directed by Hebert Poll Gutierrez
featuring Graciela Echague, Rodolfo Ortega Arnais,
José González Salazar, Alfredo Alejandro Gibert
Flores, José Alberto Susano Ruiz, Esteban Monroy
Jiménez, and Adriana Ríos Sarabia
Through theatre,
storytelling, and
animated stories,
we will discover a
secret and invisible
Cuba that is not
talked about by
the media. Racial
discrimination,
abuse of power,
massive emigration
seeking to find true
freedom, and other
issues affecting
the Island, don't
escape the critical
lens of its author, who, from his humble place
as a descendant of those black Africans,
stands up as a defender of the human values
of the island where he was born. This project
spreads Martin Luther King's quote, “injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
THE ARTIST PLUS THE AI:
A POETIC DUET
created by Sara Campos-Silvius
How does AI "see" poetry? Let's find out!
A CONSTELLATION OF
MY THOUGHTS
poetry by Olivia Carson
Olivia Carson is a student at Strathcona
High School. She has dabbled in a variety
of art forms such as Technical Theatre,
Acting, Improv, and Writing. From playing
Canadian Improv Games to acting in the play
Dumbwaiter, she has loved it all and is excited
to showcase a new art form: poetry.
INSTALLATION
Pack of Magpies presents
GOOD GRIEF
created and performed by Claudia Kulay
Saturday, June 3 from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Tuesday, June 6 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Wednesday, June 7 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Thursday, June 8 from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm
The Rehearsal Hall in the Roxy Theatre
Claudia lays on the floor on her back with
one hand open, palm up. Her head is
held by a pillow and a second pillow lays
beside her. The audience is free to come
and go, sit, stand, lounge, observe, or
directly participate. Further instructions
will be provided at the beginning of each
performance. For now, you can know that
GOOD GRIEF comes from a place of quiet
discomfort and a loud, relentless, rattling
desire to hold hands with strangers. It is a
piece of performance art created for Nextfest
2023, that creatively arose during many
quarantine periods throughout 2020-2021.
At Nextfest, art is an experience. Come to
the Roxy Theatre to connect with incredible
installations that go beyond the stage.
28 NEXTFEST.CA
NEXTFEST.CA 29
THURSDAY
JUNE 1
FRIDAY
JUNE 2
SATURDAY
JUNE 3
SUNDAY
JUNE 4
TUESDAY
JUNE 6
WEDNESDAY
JUNE 7
THURSDAY
JUNE 8
FRIDAY
JUNE 9
SATURDAY
JUNE 10
SUNDAY
JUNE 11
11 AM NOON 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM 7 PM 8 PM 9 PM 10 PM 11 PM ->
POEMS I CAN'T
READ TO YOU
YET
CARTER AND
THE TRAIN
SCHEDULE
THE POWER OF
FOUR
OPENING CEREMONIES
A FATE WORSE
DRAUPADI MERGE
THAN DEATH
RAT ACADEMY
(TAYLOR'S VERSION)
CHEW ON THIS!
WHATEVER IT
AS WE GO
TAKES
UNLEARNING
SHE/THEY 2023:
DEADLIEST SNATCH
A NEXTFEST SPACE POPERA
BLACK ALBERTA MERGE GOOD GRIEF HYENA'S TRAIL
IN MIND
FILM SHOWCASE
SCREEN IT, SING
THANKS FOR
JUST THE TWO
TO DIE,
BLACK ALBERTA
RAT ACADEMY
MERGE
IT, SAY IT
COMING OUT
OF US
TO SLEEP
AS WE GO
ALONG
DANCE
HIGH SCHOOL
GHOSTLIGHT
RAT ACADEMY
IN MIND
SHOWCASES
+ NITE CLUBS
THEATRE
UNLEARNING
DEADLIEST
SNATCH
WHATEVER IT
TAKES
WHAT WAS IS ALL
HIGH SCHOOL READINGS
SCREEN IT, SING IT, SAY IT
SHE/THEY
THANKS FOR (TAYLOR'S
A FATE WORSE
MARVEL
COMING OUT VERSION)
THAN DEATH
GOOD GRIEF
SHE/THEY
MUSIC SHOWCASE
A FATE WORSE...
DEADLIEST
HYENA'S TRAIL
SNATCH
GOOD GRIEF
MARVEL (TAYLOR'S VERSION) IHUMAN SHOWCASE
THE POWER OF
JUST THE TWO OF US
FOUR
GOOD GRIEF
BLACK ALBERTA
MANIFEST
JUST THE TWO
MARVEL
SMUT NITE: F! IS FOR FILTH
OF US
HYENA'S TRAIL
THANKS FOR...
MANIFEST
PRIDE NITE: ABJECTION
GOOD GRIEF
TO DIE,
TO SLEEP
MANIFEST
SHOWCASES
MUSIC
One stage, two shows, five acts. Music at
Nextfest returns with a brilliant multi-genre
showcase overflowing with emerging
talent. Bring a blanket, and your friends,
and settle in for some incredible local
music in the park.
Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00 pm
Helen Nolan Park (12327 108 Ave NW)
D-7-EH
I am Oscar Acosta, I started
this project d-7-EH when I
could not sleep for a week
straight. So I used my sleepdeprived
mind to write this
music in hopes of finding a
sense of clarity in this world.
SEAN DAVIS NEWTON
Sean Davis Newton is
a songwriter, producer,
and recording engineer
based in Edmonton, AB.
His upbringing in the
small prairie city of North
Battleford, Saskatchewan is felt throughout
his songs, which use the sights and sounds
of the Canadian prairies to talk about decay,
identity, class, and climate change.
MELODY STANG
Melody Stang is a multi-faceted
musician and performer,
collecting stage time with a
variety of musical pursuits and
projects. Captivating audiences
with a balanced blend of
ballads and heavy-hitting strums, she will pull
at your heartstrings while you're stomping
your feet. The honest and charming banter
seamlessly woven between songs threads
the needle between heartbreak and hilarity.
From Edmonton, NERV|US
is a fresh take on Indie
Rock/Pop. The three
guitarists allow the band
to create an atmosphere
for the complex riffs to
sit with contrasting vocal tones. NERV|US was
formed in 2021 and later released their debut
single “Weak” at the beginning of 2022.
MISFORTUNE TELLERS
Misfortune Tellers are a
hard-hitting four-piece
pop-punk, emo band
from Edmonton, defined
by their emotionally
raw lyrics and twinkly guitar riffs mixed with
shredding guitar solos and punk rock drum fills.
iHuman Studios presents
iHUMAN MIXTAPE
Thursday, June 8 at 9:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
iHuman Studios
is an organisation
that works to
offer creative
opportunities for
young artists in
YEG and amplify
their voices and
talents! We’ve
been around
since 1997, and
this year we
look forward
to bringing
image by Michael Chase you some of
our freshest talent to date! Join us for a
night of creative vibrancy, starting with
a special space activation presented by
our visual artists and poets, followed by a
showcase of our best and brightest rappers,
alternative artists and dancers! Follow
iHuman Youth Society on Facebook for
hype about our lineup and our artists!
32 NEXTFEST.CA
34
NITE CLUBS
here, for: fear collective presents
CHEW ON THIS!
curated by Kijo Gatama and Isabella Derilo
featuring DJ FunKeNICKiE
These events are 18+
Friday, June 2 at 9:30 pm
Soooooooo….. you’ve got a spot at the table…
now what? oh don’t bore us now, darling, tell
us something interesting or pass the f*cking
peas! All allergies and dietary restrictions will
be disregarded. Get hungry for a tough pill to
swallow because it’s time for stuffing faces,
eyes, and ears. Let’s eat, babyy!
Are you ready for an experience like no other?
Nextfest Nite Clubs bring the art and the party
together for the greatest parties of the summer.
Dress to impress and bring your friends. We’ll
see you on the dancefloor.
NEXTFEST.CA
2023:
A NEXTFEST SPACE P OPERA
curated by Amanda Dang, Alexis De Villa,
Shyanne Duquette, and Jasmine Hopfe
featuring DJ Gulzar
Saturday, June 3 at 9:30 pm
A ship descends to its landing. Doors open.
You step out. Hues of blues and purples,
a symphony of sounds, and a gathering of
merchants, performers, and fellow travelers
greet you. You have arrived, and the future is
NOW. 2023: A Nextfest Space pOpera.
ADOPT AN
ARTIST
When you adopt an artist, you will
receive an exclusive Nextfest t-shirt,
an all-access Festival Pass to
Nextfest 2023, and a tax receipt for
your donation. Plus, you and your
artist(s) name will be displayed
together in our adopt an artist
listing at The Roxy.
https://theatrenetwork.ca/adoptanartist
NITE CLUBS
SMUT NITE:
F! IS FOR FILTH
curated by Eggs Goblin
featuring DJ Hipiaz
Friday, June 9 at 9:30 pm
PRIDE NITE:
ABJECTION
curated by Dill Prusko
featuring Optimist Playground created and
performed by Spinelli Teleski, Boys and Their
Dolls created by Sable Billings-Boltz, DJ
Pengwen, and more!
Saturday, June 10 at 9:30 pm
It's time to get dirty! Come celebrate all things
filthy and obscene at Nextfest's 2023 Smut
Nite ‘F! is for Filth’. Give yourself permission
to indulge in shameless self-expression of the
unabashedly trashy and perverted. F! is for
Filth is an 18+ taboo-themed multidisciplinary
event seeking to celebrate those who create
on the edges. Artists of all disciplines, kink &
fetish creators, vendors of the unusual, and
those with dirty secrets are welcome here.
Abjection is a horror-themed multidisciplinary
event that focuses on queer
narratives in the horror genre. Abjection
invites artists and attendees to get weird, get
scary, and try something new.
36
NEXTFEST.CA
DANCE
MERGE
Friday, June 2 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 3 at 2:30 pm
Sunday, June 4 at 9:00 pm
Nancy Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
IN MY WAKING HOURS
choreographed and performed by Shannon Lin
In My Waking Hours
is a visual lullaby, an
encapsulated dream
experience, and an
exploration of the
wakefulness of our
tiresome thoughts.
PERENNIAL
choreographed by Samantha Ketsa and Lizzie Rajchel
Are you ready to merge, marvel, and manifest? Here
are three dance showcases curated by our friends at
Good Women Dance Collective, showcasing emerging
choreography and movement.
Vechornytsy Dance Company presents
SOUL
choreographed by Sofi Sydorak
featuring Sofi Sydorak, Anastasiia Savchuk, Lilia
Ukhach, Anna Deinega, Myroslava Sliusareva,
Daryna Grech, Nadia Baran, and Angela Kostiniuk
| SOUL
The main idea of this
piece is to express
the true story of
a human way to
success. The goal is
to motivate people of
all ages to take action.
Regardless of status
and talent, the most
important thing is to
act and to not give up.
featuring Kadin Aumentado, Marlo Hepburn, Emily Losier, Sarah Vander Ploeg, and Abbie Brokenshire
Perennial invites you to travel through time, guided by
sapphic love and longing. Inspired by a yearning for
sapphic joy in dance and film and supported by queer
poetry, Perennial follows one woman on her journey
through the ages to discover herself and what it means to
joyfully love.
KANACICIKEWIN – CLEANSE
choreographed by Skye Demas
“The inspiration for my piece stems from my
cultural background and teachings. I am of
Cree descent, and this piece focuses on my
take on how we cleanse through smudging.
Our mind, heart, spirit, and physical being
cleanse with our prayers to the Creator.
I took a lot of physical inspiration from
the way the sage burns, as well as the
actual smoke we see moving through the
air. Within the smudging, how we ask for
guidance from our ancestors and animal
brothers and sisters was also in mind while
creating movement.”
MILE ZERO DANCE 2022/23
CARTE BLANCHE
REELING: Dance on Screen
Film Festival
JULY 21-22 | $40 FESTIVAL PASS
This festival highlights innovations in
digital dance and dance films from near
and afar. REELING features projection
installations, local artist screenings,
panel discussions and a dance party!
Tickets available at MileZeroDance.com
Movers and Shakers:
A New Cabaret
Every second month, beginning in July,
come be a part of this new Cabaret
series, curated by Josh Languedoc, that
highlights movement based art pieces
and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Featuring a variety of artists, this exciting
cabaret series will be a fun way to
welcome audiences into Mile Zero
Dance’s new space.
MILEZERODANCE.COM
9931 78 AVE NW
38
NEXTFEST.CA
DANCE
MARVEL
Tuesday, June 6 at 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 8 at 5:00 pm
Friday, June 9 at 7:00 pm
Nancy Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
choreographed by Deviani Andrea Bonilla
featuring the Victoria School Dance Ensemble
This piece explores rhythm and group
dynamics. A mass force of dancers shape
the stage through unison and variation.
Transitioning from one rhythm to another, it's
about collaboration, listening, and waiting.
The idea it's to keep it simple and powerful.
featuring Ava Ballesteros, Ethan Bogner, Sophie
Campbell, Autumn Chugg, Maddie Crebas, Connor
Ellingson, Greta Ellingson, Angelina Georgiopolus,
Hannah Hetlinger, Lida Higham-Sparrow, Katherine
MacKenzie, Nicole MacKenzie, Kenya Mayes,
Franka McKague Larson, Keira McLeod, Morgan
Mitchell, Presley Pearson, Aliyah Peter, Lissette-
Andrea Peter, Athena Reyes, Reilly Rinaldi, Mia
Sanders, Sureena Usman, and Teagan Woloschuk
MUDWEED
choreographed and performed by Max Hanic
featuring Max Hanic, Myles Bartel, and Will Scott
Mudweed is an
improvised physical and
sonic dialogue between
Max Hanic and The
Pigeon Breeders. This
exchange will travel a
structured score devised
from investigating the
violence of springtime
and personal genesis.
How is the body a site for
change in spirit and what does this require of
one's vitality?
Baker Miller Pink presents
VISIONS OF LILLIAN
featuring Cayley Wreggitt, Thomas Geddes,
and Nicole Logan
Peter, a down-on-hisluck
painter who has hit
a creative slump, takes
a backpacking trip to
Lillian Lake in Kananaskis
to reinvigorate his
passion. There, he
encounters Lillian. She
ebbs and flows with wind skimming on the
lake's surface. Peter becomes obsessed
with Lillian, sacrificing his relationships and
professional opportunities to get closer to
her. But, what lies beneath the surface...
ART OF ASHTAPADIS
choreographed by Hemali Boorada
featuring Vismaya Bhagavathi Parambath
and Avani Pallickal Aji
Ashtapadis are
Sanskrit hymns
composed by
Jayadeva in the
12th Century.
They are a
collection of
beautiful love
poems, highly
revered by
Indian Classical
dancers as
they portray
the Navarasas
(9 central
emotions). As a second-generation
Kuchipudi dancer in Canada, I want to
restyle how these emotions are portrayed in
the cultural context of the West, which I call
home. The presentation follows the heroine
who describes the yearning for her lover,
as she reminisces about the time spent
with him. This scintillating presentation
choreographed by Hemali Boorada
showcases the uncolonized Kuchipudi style.
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40
NEXTFEST.CA
DANCE
MANIFEST
Friday, June 9 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 11 at 6:00 pm
Nancy Cardinal Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
VOLT24 presents
VIBRATE
choreographed and performed by Alyssa Favero
featuring Julien Villa, Danielle Mackenzie Long, and
Arash Khakpour
(HER)STORY
choreographed and performed by Alison Keery
This piece is
a personal
expression
of thirty-two
years of
living in a
female body.
It explores
themes
of gender
violence, sexism, and female empowerment
through a feminist lens.
Content Warning: This piece depicts a sexual
assault.
The piece explores the multiplicity in one
individual’s experience. The intimate work
investigates a range of physicalities and
a varied emotional landscape to highlight
transformation, question binary systems, and
dismantle expectations of concert dance.
THE LAST
GOODBYE
choreographed and
performed by Nudell
The closing of a
chapter and learning
to rise into a new
version of self.
42
NEXTFEST.CA
HIGH SCHOOL
SET 1:
WHATEVER IT TAKES
mentored by Linette Smith
Saturday, June 3 at 12:00 pm (noon)
Saturday, June 10 at 4:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE
written and directed by Finn Mcnally and Rowan
Downey-Quinteros
featuring Rowan Downey-Quinteros, Finn McNally,
and Jules Hunting
Two twelve-yearold
boys, one pair
of shoes, and an
afternoon together
searching for the other
pair. You Light Up My
Life by Finn McNally
and Rowan Downey-
Quinteros is a light-hearted comedy capturing
the essence of youth and brotherhood. A tale
told through nature, Scotty and Zachary deal
with values of trust and the foundations of
friendship. Through a nostalgic 90’s lens, You
Light Up My Life is sure to leave the audience
feeling young again.
The next generation of artists have arrived,
and they have class at 8 am on Monday!
Here are eight showcases featuring High
School aged artists who are launching
their artistic careers at Nextfest.
TOP SECRET
written and directed by Aleksandr Aksenov
featuring Lorenz Nilsson, Bridget Gutteridge-
Hingston, Rosamelia Sanchez-Cortez, Marianna
Dytiuk, and Alex Scrimtger
A single mother is fired from her job
for disagreeing with her boss over
an ethical business issue. Enraged,
she and her journalist friend agree
to write an article exposing the truth behind
what the company has been doing. However,
the company has other ideas...
THE PLAY IN MY MIND
written and directed by Andrea Noga
featuring Andrea Noga, Elizabeth Chapman, Ibiza
Blackwell, Destiny Roberson-Jemison, Lila Schiller,
Zoriana Denysenko, and Eleni Plakas
Accompanied by Anger, Anxiety,
Despair, Love, and Pride, the
Writer is working her way through
a play. Seemingly simple enough,
they soon find that there is more to it than
they think. Finishing this project takes more
than they bargained for. As they work through
self-doubt, a rocky relationship with parents,
and just trying to write the show, the same
question remains — Is this really worth it?
SET 2:
UNLEARNING
mentored by Terry Knickle
Saturday, June 3 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 at 2:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
THE RULE
written and directed by Kaylin Playter
featuring Sierra Reich, Xavier Preville, Sara Fedan,
and Reese Playter
What started out as
a newspaper comic
strip, the Bechdel
test is a set of rules
used to categorize
media. It determines
whether or not
women are being
equally represented.
In a comedic twist,
The Rule has a man
attempt to pass the
Bechdel test. With
questionable men and strong women, the
show has us thinking about how we represent
people in theatre.
STARS AND BLACK HOLES
by Ash Tolton
directed by Owen McLean
HIGH SCHOOL
featuring William Swindler, Tannu Sian, London
Parker, Hannah Zinck, Aaron Feullbrandt,
Monia Saleh, Alex Ellis, Parker Hatch, Kristine Sato,
Kurt Villary, and Oden
What does it take to
unlearn what you were
taught as a child? For
Emmy, the answer is a
lot. What does it take
to rebuild a broken
relationship? For Paige,
the answer is even more.
FOR NO ONE
written and directed by Hunter Harnett-Akers and
Oliver Collins
featuring Ava Countryman, Abi Struthers, Ella
Schaloske, Noah Hebert, and Kalene Prentice
Partners Jared and Casey
have been together for five
years, but ever since Casey
came out as non-binary
Jared has had trouble
accepting the change.
This has caused things to
become more and more
unstable between them. Through shifting
periods of time, two people who love each
other fight their own biases to stay together.
44 NEXTFEST.CA
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45
HIGH SCHOOL
SET 3:
AS WE GO ALONG
mentored by Brooke Leifso
Saturday, June 3 at 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 10 at 12:00 pm (noon)
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
WILLOW
by Lyn Reade
directed by Rigby Mugridge
featuring Jordynn Gozjolko, Kris Gao, Harleen
Singh, Sam de Groot, and Beatrix Stone
Arkwood is the crime
capital of North
America. While
abnormal is normal in
Arkwood, something
has somehow shaken
up the unshakeable
city. A newly debuted
vigilante known as Silk
the Mind Weaver, is
taking the city by storm.
Are they good or bad? Well, June could hardly
care. They have enough problems on their
own. Barely able to afford their apartment,
while dealing with the disappearance of their
sister Willow, a new vigilante is the last thing
on their mind.
FOREVER AND ALWAYS
written and directed by Jonah Zazula
featuring Jonah Zazula, Asha Herrick, Rachel
Pasmeny, Kyra Simpson, Jy Pang, and Caelan Carroll
This play follows the
main character Erin, an
introverted, overthinking
teenager, who is trying
to deal with the loss of a
friend. Upon hearing the
news, Erin struggles to
maintain all the real-world connections he has
with people both at school and at home.
UNFINISHED: A TEN MINUTE PLAY
written and directed by Stratus Mandziak-Dinger
featuring Cecil Sykes, Sarah Tebbutt,
Lila Maxwell, Fatsani Nsaliwa,
Alex McClelland, and EvkozeDinger
What would happen
if a director doesn’t
show up to their
own rehearsal? Be
prepared for ten
minutes of highs,
lows, hilarities, and
disasters when three
actors decide to make
a show of their own.
SET 4:
IN MIND
mentored by Alyssa Marres
Sunday, June 4 at 12:00 pm (noon)
Sunday, June 11 at 1:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
SOMETHING IS WRONG
written and directed by Juliannah Bishop and
Katie Wallace
featuring Katie Wallace, Jorga Patrick, Juliannah
Bishop, Jasper Lee, Harry Woodhouse, Alyssa
Schendel, Zayne Kott, and Ethan Krieger
A man has been put on the wrong
medications causing the different
parts of his brain to meet for the
first time... all hell is let loose.
THEY'RE BOTH RIGHT
written and directed by Logan Sundquist
featuring Abby Witte, Chloe Brinco, and Evkoze
Andrea is sitting on her living
room couch, reading a book.
Quinn is waiting at the bus stop,
listening to music. They are
within a metre of each other, yet
both inhabit their own realities.
In this unusual circumstance,
the pair tries to determine whose perspective
is correct, but alas… ‘They’re Both Right’.
HIGH SCHOOL
BILLIE
by Charlotte Thompson and Maria Morin
directed by Maria Morin
featuring Sam Michaelchuk, Avery Neufeld,
Charlotte Thompson, Grace Vandermeulen, Olivia
Cai, Kaylin Playter, and Sarah Evasiw
ESTHER
written and directed by Corinne C. Au
A young, aspiring,
playwright submits
all his work to a local
theatre company in
hopes that he will finally
get the big break he's
been dreaming of. This
sounds familiar...
featuring Koena Das, Vipra Patel, Ishrat Chahal,
Naresh Reddy, Himanshu Surukanti, Anushka
Ahmed, Reetu Arvikar, Corinne C. Au, Naivedhya
Rai, Emily Chen, Achyutha Reddy Surukanti, Adorra
Sergios, Alvin Goh, and Melody Liu
"Esther" is a modern
look at a young woman
who grapples with
expectations from
herself and from her
parents. As Esther
and Essie attempt to coexist and eventually
collide, the play reveals brutal truths about
buckling under pressure, identity, and
ultimately, the loss of self.
46 NEXTFEST.CA
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47
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
SET 5:
TO DIE, TO SLEEP
Sunday, June 4 at 2:00 pm
Sunday, June 11 at 5:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
written and directed by Augustus Williams
and Anna Heseltine
featuring Kaitlyn Litrop, Aidan Hopwood, Anna
Heseltine, Augustus Williams, and Chad Capstick
In the ‘30s,
a woman
called Julie
mysteriously
died in a theatre.
After her
death, strange
occurrences
began to arise,
eventually
leaving the
building
abandoned. Now, in modern times, two actors
have bought the theatre to fix it up and make it
their own. Soon enough, ties are severed and
secrets are unveiled.
SET 6:
THE POWER OF FOUR
Thursday, June 1 at 6:00 pm
Thursday, June 8 at 5:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
FOUR
SCHOOLS.
FOUR TEAMS
of FOUR
STUDENTS
from FOUR
SCHOOLS
improvise
FOUR
SCENES.
All FOR you!
featuring students from Ross Sheppard School,
Strathcona High School, Lillian Osborne High School,
Victoria School of the Arts, Archbishop Jordan
Catholic High School, Mother Margaret Mary Catholic
High School, Holy Trinity Catholic High School, and
Archbishop MacDonald Catholic High School
SET 7: HS CABARET
SCREEN IT, SING IT,
SAY IT
music mentored by Jessica Heine
Sunday, June 4 at 4:00 pm
Sunday, June 11 at 3:00 pm
Lorne Cardinal Theatre
DOUBLE FEATURE FILM:
“GUILTY SUBCONSCIOUS” AND
“AMBIENCE”
directed and produced by Ben Healey and
Mars Palmer
featuring Thomas Doyle, Kris Bizon, Ein Kashman-
Botterill, Ben Healey, Bree Webb, Mars Palmer,
Amelie Lang, Aïcha Bah, Brooklyn Soppet, and
Monica Sweeney
Double Feature is
an homage to the
bizarre and surrealist
film noir era of the
1950s. Showcasing
two films: “GUILTY
SUBCONSCIOUS”
(directed by Mars
Palmer) and
“AMBIENCE”
(directed by Ben Healey). Both touch on
themes of human mortality, the inner psyche,
and the consequences of our own actions.
FILM:
THIRST
written and directed by Lyn Reade
featuring Xia Valencia, Raven, and Sam de Groot
How would you
react when the lines
between reality,
illusion, and dream
forcefully intersect?
THIRST tells a new
tale of discovery,
unreliable viewpoints,
unexplainable and
unsatisfying actions, and the complete and
utter destruction of one high schooler’s life.
Will you accept the unknown?
FILM:
GOLDPILLED
created by Jiwoo Park
"GOLDPILLED" is
an animated short
film that follows a
dishevelled-looking
man on his daily visits
to the convenience
store. One day, instead
of the typical clerk, a
young boy is running
the till. The encounters between the two
explore the man's qualms and inner mindset
while learning nothing from the boy. It is an
off-putting standoff, that feels less and less like
reality—while facing one's own.
48 NEXTFEST.CA
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49
HIGH SCHOOL
MUSIC:
KAT KRYS
MUSIC:
LILLA SOLYMOS
Kat Krys is a seventeenyear-old
country/folk
singer/songwriter from
Sherwood Park who has
a passion for performing.
Her original music
intertwines country, folk,
and pop sounds with
themes of love, heartbreak,
and finding yourself.
Yearning; the act of
longing for something.
Lila started writing
these songs during
the lockdown because
she needed an outlet
for her lonely thoughts
at the time. Her
first song, Impersonation, speaks about the
struggle of opening up to new people, and the
different ways people may see you depending
on closeness and comfort levels. The second
piece, Morning Sun, is your typical love song,
shedding light on the fact that in order to be
happy, you don’t need a fairytale. “Through my
songs, I wish to share a real story, something
the listeners can relate to. Thank you <3.”
POETRY:
ASHA HERRICK
Asha Herrick, a young
Edmonton artist, shares a
small group of her original,
spoken word poems. With
her poetry, she brings
dark topics to light and
shares the daily struggles
of many individuals. She
touches on themes of
mental illness, self-confidence, and the daily
emotional turmoil that people live with.
DANCE:
INNERMOST SELF
choreographed and performed by Brienne Gagnon
Throughout life and your artistic journey, there
are always ups and downs. The pressure of
society and self can mask and strip away our
true passion for art. This piece will be taking
you on a journey of losing your voice, and the
journey back to your true form. This should be
a rollercoaster filled with many styles of dance.
SET 8: HIGH SCHOOL
PLAY READINGS
mentored by Amanda Samuelson
Sunday, June 11 at 3:00 pm
The Roxy Rehearsal Hall
HALLWAY COMFORT
by Alisel "Mango" Manago
featuring Rei Yereniuk, Bree Halfe, Alisel Manago,
Keith Junos, Madi Hofmann, and Emily Liberona
Cole and Ash,
a trans couple,
would just like
to go have a
date session
at Cole's place.
On the way,
they encounter
a person making transphobic remarks,
immediately setting off Cole’s protectiveness
over Ash. After leaving, Ash gets hit with a
wave of dysphoria. Cole is there to help in any
way they can.
COULD NEVER BE ME
by Eleni Angelos
featuring Erika Starcevic, Gracie Weber,
Abby Thomas, and Eleni Angelos
HIGH SCHOOL
Elizabeth is sick of
being cast in the
ensemble. Sick of
being dismissed at
auditions and she is
sick of her ex-best
friend Clover always
stealing the spotlight.
When the two bump into each other at a
callback for a TV pilot, will Elizabeth be able to
let go of her past in the name of her career?
VIRIDESCENT LURE
by Chloe Mayrina
featuring Cassidy Stearns, Faith MacGregor,
Lorin Bradley, Kaitlyn Litrop, and Piper/Evan Davis
The mysterious
painting ‘The World
of Frivolous Dreams’
has finally been found.
Indigo is dragged by
her mother to the art
gallery, where she
becomes enamoured
by the intricate work.
Magically Indigo
is transported into the painting. Her time is
ticking. Will she find a way out before she
herself becomes part of the painting?
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FILM
Sunday, June 4 at 1:00 pm
Nancy Power Theatre in the Roxy Theatre
POWER CHORD
by Sara Campos-Silvius
After 20 years apart, the
former members of a riot
grrrl punk band gather to
rehearse for a one-nightonly
charity reunion show.
But with all the history
between them, will they
even survive sound check?
POWER CHORD explores
what it means to succeed, what it means to sell
out, and the enduring power of friendship.
NOWHERE NORMAL
written and produced by Heather Morrow
directed by Matt Kloster
A young woman must
find the heirlooms
of her recently dead
grandmother before her
intolerant debt-ridden
father does.
featuring Autumn T. Dang, Shaugnessy O'Brien,
Richard Koy, Steve Dhillon, James Hastings, Alexandra
Paulhus, Molly Rasmussen, Dante Sutton, Marlon
Parnell, Alizain Mevawala, Brenda LePage, Fami Kaur,
David Gallinger, Lee Conrad, and Janine Waddell
Welcome to Nextfest’s film showcase. Grab
some popcorn and enjoy an incredible lineup
of original short films from emerging film
artists. All films featured at Nextfest 2023
will be captioned.
CUT THE CAKE OR TAKE THE CUT CAKE
written and choreographed by Lauren Brady
directed and edited by Thomas Kassian
What will Sue do when she
is overcome with anxiety
as she meets the ultimate
dilemma at the office
birthday party? Will she
just cut the cake? Or take
the cut cake and RUN.
featuring Lauren Brady, Candice Holloway, Hamna
Tahir, Roxie Malone, Brynn Kassian, Douglas
Macdonald, Gavin Wilkes, Zachary Strom, and
Cameron McCutcheon
3 POINTS OF CONTACT TO SURVIVE
directed and created by Brennan Roy
A neurodivergent
wheelchair user seeks
to find stability in their
body, mind, and personal
surroundings, amid a period
of housing instability, grief,
and crisis – in tension with both gravity and
the ableist policies that envelop them.
featuring Brennan Roy, Full Radius Dance, Mel
Chua, Brennan Roy, Allen Kaeja, and Kayla Roy
MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL
directed, choreographed, and produced by
Tianna Therriault
A young woman
reacts to the lack
of reciprocity
in her romantic
relationship.
featuring Lilly Giroux, Alissa Dawn, Joseph
Langballe, Ana Dias, Jesse Whitty, Sierra Holder, Jill
Goranson Daniel Katsoras, and Rage Nnawuchi
SHIFTING CREATURES,
RESTLESS STRUCTURE
directed, edited, and choreographed by
Meghan Mainville
We are very
different from
other living
beings; however,
relationships
found in nature
are comparable
to our own.
Even between
ourselves, we seem to seek the differences,
unaware of how it affects us. Those who
notice understand the feeling.
featuring Meghan Mainville, Jean-Sébastien
Chiasson, and Pierre-Luc Clément
GHOSTED
LighT presents
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53
FILM
In this silent film,
a sad ghost gets
ready for the best
date of their life.
featuring Sophie Gareau-Brennan, Lauren Hughes,
Hayley Moorhouse, Gabby Bernard, Erin Pettifor,
Matt Mihilewicz, and Eric Doucet
POLTERGEIST
directed, choreographed, edited, and produced by
Emily Anne Corcoran
“I need more than the
ghost of you.”
This music video
for "Poltergeist" by
singer/songwriter
Kaeley Jade is equal
parts spooky and silly.
featuring Kaeley Jade Wiebe, Gab Gagnon, and
Kael Wynn
DU NÉANT / FROM NOTHINGNESS
directed by Jalianne Li and Haqq Brice
A being emerges from
nothingness, moving,
dancing, with the desire
to create.
featuring Jalianne Li, Haqq Brice, Jeremie Toulassi-
Djinan, Henry-Michel Koré, Andrew Creegan, Marie
Andrée Gaudet, Sébastien Michaud, and Jean Surette
VISUAL ART
Miller Gallery, The Roxy Theatre
During Nextfest, the Roxy Theatre will
be filled with visual art from a group of
emerging creators. We invite you to walk
around and catch their works at the Miller
Gallery, throughout the Roxy space.
PSA (IN-PROGRESS)
by Mairead Charles
In this project, I use play and
the gamification of COVID
infection as a way of reflecting
on where we are in the
pandemic outside of statistics
and testimonies. Isn't it more
fun to see your toy microbe fall
through the mask than to listen
to the facts of the ongoing
pandemic? If the information is
fun, would you be more willing
to mask and protect your
fellow community members?
THE PEOPLE ON THE BUS
by Darian Selander
I like to paint about the weird
things I think about, most of
the time I don't know what the
painting is going to look like
when I start, and sometimes I
don't know until the very end.
I really enjoy the process of
free-flowing creativity and tend
to just let my thoughts wander
and see what comes out.
CALLING
by Al McKee
This past year has brought me
closer to my community and
my passion for harm reduction
in the city with volunteer
ship and care. I have found a
strong network of artists with
which I share a passion for
individuality, and it has grown
my confidence to express my
unique takes on community,
consumerist culture, and
mental illness- particularly my
struggle with bipolar disorder,
through my art.
TEMPERANCE
by Juwayriya Abdullahi
As a Black Muslim woman
who incorporates surrealism
into my work, I aim to explore
the intersection of my identity
as a member of multiple
marginalized communities
with the fantastical and
otherworldly. I use my art as
a way to challenge dominant
narratives and offer a counternarrative
that reflects the lived
experiences of people like me,
while also creating a space for
imagination and escapism.
OCTOBER 8, 2022
by Isabel De Blois
My artwork is focused on
expressing latent emotional
states in an abstract manner
by emphasizing colour,
value, shape, and texture.
As I struggle to decipher my
feelings, abstract painting
is the mode in which I
attempt to visualize and
comprehend emotions
that are uncomfortable,
ambiguous, and oftentimes
slow to rise to the surface of
my conscience. Within each
piece is a unique 'mindscape,'
personal to [me], but also
open to the interpretation
of others. I create art that
invites people to sit with the
unknowable, and perhaps,
find a beautiful comfort in it.
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54
NEXTFEST.CA
VISUAL ART
THE BRAVE GUY
by Tere Cuellar
In my way to understand
the colour theories, I found
myself using just the Zorn’s
palette on my subjects.
The limited palette (just
red, ochre, black, and
white) gives me countless
variations of hues. But
also, I comprehended how
important the relationship
between hues, placing a
colour beside others. The
light is very present in my
artworks, as well as the
hands. Both have a resonance
beyond their surfaces. All
my subjects are telling me
a story and I love to capture
those emotions and find my
own path to express them.
BAORANGIA
BICOLOR
by Agatha Lidia Chacinski
I have always had a
fascination with nature and
how it holds the power to
heal us on a multitude of
levels. The vastness of food
that it provides, giving us
sustenance to live. Being
witness to the beauty of a
sunrise and how it holds
the power to heal us on
an emotional, mental, and
spiritual level. My childhood
was filled with knowledge
from my grandmother and
mother, the old age wisdom
of natural remedies that
mother nature provides us.
It was a simple transition for
me to take that fascination
and knowledge and nurture it
within my art.
PICNIC IN JUNE
by Olivia Cai
Most of my subjects are my
loved ones, my cherished
memories, and the
miscellaneous, insignificant
treasures around the house:
such as a collection of waving
cats, lilies from a friend, and
red string used for making
zongzi. The beauty of these
scenes is expressed in the
candid interplay of light and
shadow. Growing up, I studied
Impressionist oil painting
and Chinese ink painting,
and I adore both styles; I love
the nuance of colour and
emotion in Impressionism,
and the dynamic line
weight in Chinese ink
paintings. Bringing these
two genres together leads
to strong blocks of texture
and bright colours.
FISH FEAR ME
(POLEMONIUM SP.)
by Elise Futoransky
From my own experience
with my Ukrainian heritage,
I have a level of disconnect
both with the community and
with its history, so much of
my recent work is to initiate
a return to that heritage
as well as to illustrate that
distance. I use the imagery
of pysanky and traditional
Ukrainian visual culture
to represent elements of
heritage and family, as well as
my attempts to unpack what
that heritage means for me
as an artist and individual.
I use self-portraiture as a
means of personal reflection
and expression. These
elements all come together
as an exploration of identity,
material culture, and heritage.
STAFF +
VOLUNTEERS
NEXTFEST STAFF
Festival Director: Ellen Chorley
Operations Manager: Kena León
Marketing and Communications
Manager & Artist Liaison:
Ren Pilkington
Graphic Designer and Ad Sales:
Steven Teeuwsen
Production Manager: Brian Maxwell
Assistant Producers: Amanda Dang
and Jasmine Hopfe
Emerging Assistant Producer
Program Participants: Amanda
Dang, Alexis De Villa, Shyanne
Duquette, and Jasmine Hopfe
Networking Event Producers: Kevin
Cambridge, Natalie Clark, Russel
Comrie, Jess Finn, Erin Hutchinson,
Emily Smith, and Eli Yaschuk
Lead Technicians: Ashley Carter,
Jadey Capaldo
Sounds Technician: Amelia Chan
Tech Liaison: Will Chichak Green
Room Supervisor: Terry Knickle
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Consultant: Connor Yuzwenko-Martin
Nextfest is made possible by a group of artists,
administrators, curators, and mentors who believe
in creating opportunities for emerging artists to
experiment, grow, and produce art. Help us send our
gratitude to every human on this list, they rock!
NEXTFEST CURATORS
Dance Curator: Becky Sadowski,
Good Women Dance Collective
DJ Curator: Kena León
Film Curator: Katie Cutting
High School Curator:
Jennifer Peebles
Music Curators: Cassia Hardy
Nite Club Curators: Dill Prusko, Eggs
Goblin, here, for: fear collective (Kijo
Gatama and Isabella Derilo), Amanda
Dang, Alexis De Villa, Shyanne
Duquette, and Jasmine Hopfe
Theatre Curator: Ellen Chorley
Visual Art Curator: Shawnee Danielle
MENTORS
High School Mentors: Linette Smith,
Terry Knickle, Alyssa Marres, Ellen
Chorley, Jessica Heine, Amanda
Samuelson, and Jennifer Peebles
Theatre Talk Back Facilitator:
Hayley Moorhouse
VISUALS & MULTIMEDIA
Festival Image: Psi Lo
Festival Photographers: Jennifer
Galm and Brett Boyd
Closing Party DJ: Creeasian
THEATRE NETWORK
STAFF
Artistic Director: Bradley Moss
Summer Academy Director:
Ellen Chorley
Curator & Director, Visual Arts
Programs: Jared Tabler
Managing Director:
Harley Howard-Morison
Director of Production & Facility:
Brian Maxwell
Business Development Director:
Jill Roszell
Operations Manager: Nelly Song
Communications Manager:
Crystal Eyo
@Roxy124Street Social: Ellie Heath
Bookkeeper: Jennifer Brownridge
Head Technician: Ashley Carter
Front of House Leads: Even Gilchrist
and Candice Stollery
Front of House: Asia Weinkauf-
Bowman, Aran Wilson-McAnnally,
Brooke Fersovitch, Kate Couture, Neon,
Sheena O’Connor, and Trevor Duplessis
56
NEXTFEST.CA
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58
THEATRE NETWORK
VOLUNTEERS
Ana Merger-Hoeft, Andrea Murphy, Ann
McCluskey, Ash Howard, Bob Morter, Chris
Pederson, Cindy Reekie, Darlene Elias,
Dave Williams, Eddingtone, Hatitongwe,
Elva Rice, Everett Griffiths, Gail Kelly, Gloria
Carr, Hannah Hobson, Hitomi Suzuta, Ingrid
Pederson, Jacquie Skeffington, James
Smibert, Joan Damkjar, John Brisson, Judy
Collister, Judy Stelck, Kara Little, Kate Hobin,
Katherine Tobin, Kathy Owens, Leland
Stelck, Linda Smibert, Louise Mallory,
Loveth Bradley, Margret Ingibergsson,
Maria Basaraba, Marie Fontaine, Marion
McFall, Mary Welke, Melinda Coetzee,
Meredith Black, Nicole Bouclin-Graves,
Pam Josey, Patrick Houston, Peter Jarvis,
Pierrette Buchanan, Rebecca Bissonnette,
Rhonda Jessen, Rhonda Smith, Rita
Klasson, Sandra Keating, Sarah Yue, Sari
Haas, Shannon Joyes, Shannon Kerr, Sue
Quon, Sue Sohnle, Susan May, Theresa
Agnew, Valerie Braiden, Valerie Graham,
Veronica Keuchel, and Walter Kehl
NEXTFEST BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Bradley Moss, President
Andy Laskiwsky, Treasurer
Kevin Hendricks, Director
Murray Utas, Director
Michael Kennard, Director
NEXTFEST.CA
PRESENTED BY
SPONSORS
THEATRE NETWORK
MAINSTAGE SEASON
SPONSOR:
Star
bright.
Funding from Edmonton
Community Foundation
supports the Edmonton Artists’
Trust Fund and provides the
means for our city’s creative
community to grow its cultural
roots. As gifts expressing respect
and recognition, Andrea
Bellegarde-Courchene’s star
blankets wrap the recipient in
the rich past and bold promise
of the Indigenous culture.
ecfoundation.org works with
donors to give, grow and
transform.
Charity begins at Home.
ART+DESIGN DRAMA MUSIC