ARYO KHAKPOUR

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

I am a multidisciplinary performer, director and dramaturg. I hold a BFA in Theatre Performance from Simon Fraser University. Born and raised in Iran, I have been involved in multiple theatre, dance, and film productions in Vancouver since 2006. I cofounded The Biting School in 2013, which was the company-in-residence at PuSh Festival and The Dance Centre 2018-2020.

In my practice, I explore the dynamics of power, implications of ideologies, repetition of mythologies, and cultural adaptation. I am an intersectional feminist; and I interrogate the patriarchy and its harmful effects on people. My practice is heavily physical and surrealistic; it moves from theatre to performance art to dance to film and back to theatre; it deals with pain and pleasure; it is sex-positive; and it aims to queer the status quo. I was trained in devised practices of non-hierarchical collective creations; that is my favourite way of creating.

During the past year, I co-produced and directed two art films: a film about a uterus and Suddenly Slaughter, which are both supported by Canada Council for the Arts. 

Upcoming performances are TechniCowlour (a conversation with the 1969 film, The Cow) and Zahak, the Serpent King (a critical dialogue with the myth of Zahak).

ARASH KHAKPOUR | آرش خاکپور 

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

I am a dancer and choreographer from Tehran and based in Vancouver. I am privileged to be a dance artist who has immigrated to the unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories.

In my work, I investigate the complexities of the human experience; how thoughts influence the body and vice versa; what it means and feels to simply be a body on stage. I have an endless desire to learn about and with other artists; to see whether live performance can be a meeting place of histories, where the body can consider alternate ways of being and feeling through creation and re-creation.

I tend to invest in the nuances of prejudices in the body as a way of inviting the unconscious to the conscious, and as a doorway to confront unknown emotions. I see dance as a process of physical, emotional and spiritual discovery and a mode of transformation. As a first-generation immigrant, I continuously consider what healing I can bring to the land and communities I work with. I am interested in building a culture of relationality and reciprocity that celebrates the multiplicity of presences and approaches.

In the past year, I have created two solo performances, co-created a full-length duet and an ensemble piece. I look forward to creating two new pieces this coming year: Zahak, the Serpent King in collaboration with my brother Aryo and a new ensemble dance piece called Empty-Handed.

ELIKA MOJTABAEI

COSTUME DESIGNER | Associative artist

ANTONIO JR. SOMERA

Social Media Coordinator