© 1997-2002 Sashar Zarif,
UPCOMING!..
Choreographies of Migration
MARCH 6-8, 2008, 8pm
DanceWorks 2007/08 Mainstage Season; part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps
Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre,231 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Tickets: $27 ($17 students/seniors/CADA/WIFT/SCDS)
Box Office: 416-973-4000 www.danceworks.caDanceWorks is proud to present Choreographies of Migration by Sashar Zarif Dance Theatre. In this richly layered program, internationally acclaimed Azerbaijani-Iranian dance artist Sashar Zarif explores a series of migrations and cultural adaptations that ultimately led to his life in Canada. In so doing, he invites us to consider our own origins in a new way. This striking presentation features two solos, a trio and a quartet performed by a superlative company of seasoned dance artists. The production runs March 6-8, 8pm nightly at Enwave Theatre as part of Harbourfront Centre’s NextSteps Series.
Through this quartet of works, Zarif presents a very personal vernacular. From a pastiche of languages, cultures and movement, he creates a unique contemporary style and a fresh way of communicating using traditional Central Asian, Near Eastern and Western dance forms.
Zarif's sense of displacement underlies Choreographies of Migration. Born into an immigrant family in Tehran, moving through India, Turkey, and other countries before arriving in Canada, he compels us to examine the various and often complicated relationships that inform ideas of home, identity and self. Each piece represents a different period of awareness and growth in his journey from Iran to Canada; each borrows from different stops in his physical and spiritual odyssey that saw him survive revolution, war and refugee camps.
AWARDS
Sashar Zarif, Recipient of The New Pioneers Arts Award 2008
Canadian Organization Skills for Change has named Sashar Zarif the recipient of New Pioneer Award for the Arts 2008 for being an artistic ambassador for multiculturalism and diversity in arts community.
"Sashar leads by example; as an artistic ambassador for multiculturalism and diversity, he is a valued role model for new Canadians who have been through horrific experiences." Skills for Change
".... art can have an impact on social issues and play a significant large. It is vital that newcomers insert themselves into their new culture in a positive and affirming way.." Sashar Zarif