A new dance piece titled Char, created by Shelby Richardson's Prince George-based company Method Dance, will have its world premiere at this year's Dancing on the Edge festival in Vancouver. The work addresses the profound impact of wildfires on the lives and practices of artists in northern British Columbia.
Origins of the Work
Richardson recalls a period when major highways out of Prince George were closed due to wildfire activity, leaving residents unable to evacuate easily. The broader region has been heavily affected by wildfire smoke and evacuations, particularly during the severe 2023 and 2024 fire seasons. During a workshop, Richardson and her dancers faced the challenge of performing in extreme heat while smoke made it impossible to open doors. This experience prompted the central question behind Char: "How do we practice in this evolving landscape, these evolving conditions in which we live, as a physical practice?"
Premiere at Dancing on the Edge
The 38th edition of Canada's longest-running contemporary dance festival will feature three world premieres. Alongside Char, the festival presents a new piece by Vancouver's Vidya Kotamraju on the same bill, as well as KIN & DOVES from Belle Spirale Dance Projects with Ballet B.C. dancer Sid Chuckas. Another highlight is Lukas Malkowski's Microphone Controller, a reimagining of the rock concert experience designed for both deaf and hearing audiences, which premiered in Berlin in 2024 and makes its Western Canadian debut at the festival. The festival also includes four mixed programs featuring works by Starr Muranko/Co.ERASGA, All Bodies Dance, and Daina Ashbee, among others.
Collaborative Creation
Richardson developed Char in collaboration with Vancouver sound designer Nancy Tam and five dancers. The creative process began outdoors, with field research in post-fire environments. Prince George photographer Keli Watson guided the team through several sites at different stages of fire regrowth. Tam built the soundscape from field recordings gathered during these visits, while charcoal and paper feature prominently both visually and sonically in the piece. Richardson founded Method Dance in 2019 to provide northern artists with opportunities to continue their careers without relocating. She emphasizes the importance of allowing artists to stay close to their families and communities while creating meaningful work.
Performance Details
Char will be performed on June 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova St., Vancouver. The festival runs from June 4 to 13 at multiple venues, including SFU Woodward's and The Dance Centre. Tickets range from $25 to $50 per performance, with a four-pack pass available for $95 at dancingontheedge.org.
