"Resistance allows you to be born. Resistance is necessary in a society, and it’s also necessary if one is not to wither, if one is to live!" – Rhodnie Désir
For the artist, BOW’T (boat) is derived from the word “bow” as the forefront of a ship, to bend the head or body, and also signifying in Haitian creole “to give.”
With strength and like a cry of freedom, Rhodnie Desir addresses the timelines and the psychological impact associated with migration and deportation. Drawing on history, she builds a bridge to today by embodying this movement which marks the foundation of our modern world. Onstage, three wooden benches, hanging boats and a maestro drummer encapsulate the soloist as she makes of the stage a candid narrative. An arousing and poetic work inspired by the intensity of thousands of people who continue to sail to the land of the unknown...
Choreography, interpretation, staging, vocal and sound compositions: Rhodnie Désir
Maestro-drummer / live percussion: Ronald Nazaire
Lighting Design / Technical Direction : Jonathan Barro
Costume Design : Isabelle Boudreau (readaptation : Mélanie Fererro)
Rehearsal Director : Karla Étienne
The artist would like to thank the GESÙ - Creativity Center for the Creative Residence and their sponsorship on the Montreal Arts Council Tour Program, the Montreal Arts Council for the 2014-2015 Tour opportunity; as well as the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Quebec International Youth Offices and Zab Maboungou and the Nyata Nyata Dance Company, for their generous support.