The dancers, musicians, actors and entertainers performing on our stage will share performances that offer both tradition and innovation. For example, Paco Peņa and his legendary flamenco dance company will perform "Flamenco without borders," an inspirational set of works that embrace the folkloric traditions of Latin America, Andalucia and Spain. By contrast, the multimedia show Norman, presented by 4D art, offers an inventive and exciting spectacle that combines different art forms to explore the life and work of the groundbreaking Canadian filmmaker Norman McLaren.
In fact, a balance of tradition and innovation is central to my philosophy as a presenter. It is about providing people with things they know and enjoy along with introducing the audience to the latest and most interesting new work being created. That is part of the art of developing a presenting season at the Grand Theatre and is meant to complement what other performing arts groups produce locally, especially in a community like Kingston that is fortunate to have both producers and presenters who help to provide a vibrant mix of performance options. Whereas producers take an artistic risk when creating a production from scratch, the risk for a presenter is to select from a wide array of touring performers and productions to build a rich season that balances entertainment with choice.
The purpose of Grand Theatre Presents is not to be profit driven but, rather, to provide a service to the community. We are able to provide this programming thanks to the generous support of sponsors, donors and government supporters. Our hope is to inspire audiences, to introduce them to new experiences and to expose them to the best of what is happening around the world in terms of the performing arts. The desire to entertain is paramount but so, too, is the need to be respectful of our audiences and their desire to be challenged and inspired. We also seek to engage the entire community through our arts education programs and community engagement activities that happen at the Grand Theatre as well as in locations across the City.
Indeed, tradition and innovation are reflected across our program. We are pleased to be able to present artists and companies that represent the best in their respective fields, like the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Ailey II in modern dance; however, we are also excited to expose Kingston audiences to newer artists and companies increasingly being recognized for their innovative work, like Kidd Pivot, Random Dance and Rubberbandance. It is our commitment to supporting innovation that has inspired me to program performances like Spring Awakening, which has been called the first important new Broadway show of the 21st century. This innovative musical will share the stage with time-honoured classics like Oklahoma, The Music Man and Fiddler on the Roof.
Based on your feedback and support, we hope to welcome back many of the new artists and companies we have introduced to Kingston audiences, while continuing to program the familiar favourites as well.
I look forward to sharing many dynamic performances with you this season and in many years to come.
