NEWS RELEASE
FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
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The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre presents Kimiko’s Pearl, a new original ballet that traces the tragedies, triumphs and perseverance of one family before, during and after the Japanese Canadian internment of WWII, commissioned and produced by Bravo Niagara.
This world premiere will be presented as the finale of the 23/24 PAC Presents Season in Partridge Hall on June 22-23 in downtown St. Catharines.
Kimiko’s Pearl is based on a story by Emmy Award-winning writer Howard Reich and inspired by the family history of Bravo Niagara! co-founders Christine Mori and her daughter Alexis Spieldenner, the Niagara-on-the-Lake residents who serve as co-creators and producers of the ballet.
“As a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian, I hope this deeply personal story sheds light on a dark chapter in Canadian history and takes audiences on a journey of intergenerational healing and hope," said Spieldenner.
Kimiko’s Pearl was inspired by the Ayukawa family trunk, currently in the collection of the Canadian War Museum, which was built by Christine Mori’s grandfather Shizuo Ayukawa in the New Denver Internment Camp of B.C.
The story of the ballet is told through the eyes of a 15- year-old Toronto girl who discovers an old family trunk containing a forgotten diary and other precious keepsakes. Born during the pandemic, the production has been in development for over three years and brings together a diverse team of creators from Canada and the U.S. and uniquely bridges three generations of Japanese Canadians.
Kimiko’s Pearl comes to life onstage through original music by Kevin Lau (Le Petit Prince, The National Ballet of Canada) and choreography by Yosuke Mino (Royal Winnipeg Ballet). The ensemble of dancers includes Kyra Soo (Royal Winnipeg Ballet), Yue Shi (Boston Ballet), Chenxin Liu (Boston Ballet), Liam Caines (Royal Winnipeg Ballet), Rachel Gibbs (Coastal City Ballet), Liam Saito (Royal Winnipeg Ballet), and Yayoi Ban (Royal Winnipeg Ballet).
The production also features sound design by Aaron Tsang and musicians Ron Korb (flute), Conrad Chow (violin), and Rachel Mercer (cello), as well as projections featuring Ayukawa family photographs and original commissioned artwork by Norman Takeuchi, CM, Lillian Yano Blakey, Emma Nishimura, and Miya Turnbull.
There will be an opening performance by Nagata Shachu taiko group. Nagata Shachu has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese Drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998 whilst touring worldwide.
Tickets range from $25-65. Visit FirstOntarioPAC.ca to buy tickets and for more information.
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