PuSh 2010 Curatorial Statement: Akhe’s White Cabin

November 16, 2009

by PuSh Festival Executive Director Norman Armour

I first saw Akhe way back in 2002 at Prague’s 4 + 4 Days in Motion festival. What immediately struck me about their work is an economy of means: the use of everyday objects and materials to create a theatrical world that is at once fantastical, elemental and anarchic. Akhe’s theatre is an alchemical dream—a series of postcards sent from the recesses of the mind. Those who remember the 2005 PuSh presentation of Ridiculusmus’s Say Nothing will be similarly inspired.

In the British Isles, one uses the term “devised” to refer to what Canadian’s often call “creation-based” work. Our city is well known for creation companies: Boca Del Lupo, Electric Company Theatre, The Only Animal and Theatre Replacement to name just a few. Bringing one of Russia’s—indeed Europe’s—foremost devisers has been a long-standing desire of the PuSh Festival. Their sense of DIY is an exhilarating counterpoint to our city’s inde scene. On their cross-Canadian tour, Akhe will visit with Quebec City’s Mois Multi festival, Toronto’s Theatre Centre, Calgary’s High Performance Rodeo.

Akhe’s White Cabin is part of the 2010 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and is presented with Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Performances run from Jan 21-23 at 8pm, at Performance Works on Granville Island. Click here for full details.