BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek

In 2013, Rhodnie created the work BOW'T. Over the course of 10 years, 9 versions were produced, along with impressive documentary tools on Radio-Canada (Webdocumentary, Webseries, medium-length film and a short film), as well as an exhibition and two conferences. The entire journey is known as BOW'T TRAIL.

Years of research and creation: 2015-2020
World premiere: 2020, Espace Libre (Canada)
8th of 9 BOW'T TRAIL works
Over 140 testimonials
Running time: 60-75 min without intermission

BOW'T TRAIL Rétrospek, the ambassadorial work of the BOW'T series, is a conversation between the present and the past, combined with Rhodnie's channeling body, where over 140 testimonies collected in 7 lands of the Americas reside. Today, the only work in circulation is BOW'T TRAIL Rétrospek.

Driven by the desire and need to transcend her origins, the choreographer has been researching the Americas (Martinique, Brazil, Haiti, Canada, Mexico and the United States) since 2015 to immerse herself in the African cultures and rhythms deployed by the peoples who were deported there.

On stage, surrounded by two maestros, Rhodnie Désir is supported by these majestic rhythms. In addition to rich, transcendent polyrhythmic sonorities, the power of her body is enveloped by video projections illustrating her approach to the memory-bearers who inspired her, uniting the audience with the material and enveloping it in textures, images and sounds of multiple dimensions.

Since its premiere at Espace Libre (Montreal) in 2020, this work has garnered many honors, including the Grand Prix and Prix Envol (Prix de la danse 2020). 

“BOW’T TRAIL Retrospek is a palimpsest of solemn beauty, enriched by the research its actor has done and by each of the layers that have been added to her creation.” Philippe Mangerel, JEU Revue de théâtre

Credits

Co-production
RD Créations, National Arts Center of Ottawa

Creation partners
Canada arts council
Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
Conseil des arts de Montréal
Espace Libre
Centre de création O'Vertigo

Choreography, dancer, artistic direction and vocal compositions
Rhodnie Désir

Musicians
Engone Endong & Jahsun

Video designer
Manuel Chantre

Lighting designer
Juliette Dumaine

Lighting designer (accessories)
Jonathan Barro

Costume designer
Mélanie Fererro

Beatmaker and music composer
Engone Endong

Artistic Senior Consultant
Philip Szporer

Creative support
Isabelle Poirier
James Viveiros

Cutter (costume) 
Phoebé Folco Millette 

Dressmaker 
Natalie Talbot 

RD Creations technical team

Documentary video images from BOW’T TRAIL

In the calendar

April

4th

-
April

5th

11:00 am

BOW’T TRAIL Retrospek

Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON

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October

19th

-
October

21st

8:00 pm

BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek • 2023

Toronto, ON

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March

29th

7:30 pm

BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek • 2023

Rimouski, QC

Théâtre du Bic
In codiffusion with Spect'Art Rimouski

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March

17th

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March

18th

8:00 pm

BOW'T TRAIL Retrospek • 2023

Ottawa, ON

National Arts Center

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Discover our other creations

BOW'T TRAIL Young Leaders

BOW'T TRAIL Young Leaders

TRANSMISSION OF KNOWLEDGE

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BOW'T

BOW'T

With strength and like a cry of freedom, Rhodnie Desir addresses the timelines and the psychological impact associated with migration and deportation.

Know more