Vernon-based performing arts company takes its next step
It’s been three years since Gloria Perrier and Lydia Rieu last staged a performance in their hometown of Vernon.
Since then, the directors of local performing arts company, Rushing Wild, have been spreading their wings and their talents to overseas destinations.
Now back in the Okanagan, Rushing Wild is about to premiere its third production, Iconic Stature, in Kelowna on Saturday.
Over the last six years, the company has mounted two other original productions, incorporating dance, theatre, music and even spoken word.
The first took stages in Toronto, Kelowna, and Vernon, and was even performed at a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal, where the group spent three weeks doing dance workshops with children of Nepalese and Tibetan communities.
The second production, Fragmented Pieces, was performed in Vernon in 2010 and instigated the women’s latest travels abroad, including to Paris, France and Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
“We always had a passion to do stuff overseas,” said Perrier. “Someone had seen our show in Vernon and said we should bring it to Mexico. We loved working with the local artists there including those from the Dance Institute in Mexico. We also integrated music into our performance and performed in Guadalajara.”
Now a registered not-for-profit company with a charitable number, Rushing Wild has plans for its new production, which is described as a compilation of diverse movement, music and drama that embraces mystery and adventure where the invisible crashes into the visible.
“We would like to travel with the show around B.C. and North America and would like to do another show at the (Vernon) Performing Arts Centre,” said Perrier, adding Rushing Wild is returning to Mexico next month and is booked to bring Iconic Stature to Lake Country’s Creekside Theatre in May.
In the meantime, the production will take the stage at the Mary Irwin Theatre in Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
“This is a fundraising event to support the ongoing work of Rushing Wild,” said Perrier, adding donations are welcome.
Those wanting to learn more can visit www.rushingwild.ca.
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