Landmark Solos
In the Fire of Conflict (2008) - danced by Benjamin Kamino with Beverley Johnston on marimba, original composition by Christos Hatzis.
Portal (2008) - danced by Kate Holden, or Mairi Greig, in silence. Originally performed by Peggy Baker. Winner of the 2009 Dora Mavor Moore awards for Outstanding Performance and New Choreography. Remounted in 2018 in Map by Years.
Krishna’s Mouth (2006) - danced by Andrea Nann or Natasha Bakht. Choreography and text Peggy Baker; music Karen Tanaka (Song of Songs); costumes Caroline O'Brien with bodies by Robyn MacDonald; cellist Anne Bourne. Re-mounted in 2018 for Map by Years.
Sylvan Quartet (1998) - danced by Sahara Morimoto, music by Chan Ka Nin performed live with cello, clarinet, and piano.
Encoded Revision (1996) - danced by Benjamin Kamino with John Kameel Farah on piano, original score by Michael J. Baker – 2013 Dora nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male in the Dance Division.
In a Landscape (1995) - danced by Andrea Nann with John Kameel Farah on piano, music by John Cage – 2013 Dora nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female in the Dance Division.
Her Heart (1993) - danced by Peggy Baker and remounted in 2015 with dancer Jessica Runge and pianist Andrew Burashko of Art of Time Ensemble, and in 2018 with dancer Jessica Runge as part of Map by Years.
Recent performances of these solos include Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto, 2012, 2013, & 2014; National Arts Centre, Ottawa, 2013, 2015; Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, 2014; The Theatre Centre, Toronto, 2018.
Booking
Any of the Landmark Solos are available for main stage touring. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to perform In the Fire of Conflict, Sylvan Quartet, or In a Landscape to recorded music.
Presenters with a password may view full length videos here:
Bookings and information: Meredith Potter
Reviews
In the Fire of Conflict
“…extraordinary…fiery intensity and explosive physicality…”
Portal
“Beginning from clear and simple premises, Baker generates a rich and abundant expression that suggests a thousand and one questions of identity. A great success.”
“the economy and expressiveness of a fine etching…heroic, mysterious, sublime.”
Sylvan Quartet
“When she chooses collaborators, Baker selects the very best. [Amici Ensemble’s] physical energy is as much an integral part of the work’s choreographic fabric as their music making. Baker, however, is the animator of Chan Ka Nin’s richly textured score.”
Encoded Revision
“Encoded Revision…dates back to 1997, and the intervening 16 years has not dimmed its raucous swagger. … Everything about this solo works. The high octane energy of the dance itself. The sporadic bits of text shouted by Kamino and Farah. The visuals of the flying music paper. It is an utterly engaging romp…”
In a Landscape
“A finely crafted solo, with carefully articulated movement perfectly matched to a John Cage composition.”
“The estimable Andrea Nann puts her personal stamp on Baker’s 1995 solo In a Landscape; the choreographer’s own remembered presence in the same work hovers like a distant echo.”
Gallery
Portal, 2018. Photography by Aleksandar Antonijevic
Krishna's Mouth, 2018. Photography by Aleksandar Antonijevic
In the Fire of Conflict, 2008. Photography by John Lauener
Portal, 2008. Photography by John Lauener
Sylvan Quartet, 1999. Photography by Makoto Hirata
Encoded Revision, 1996. Photography by Makoto Hirata
In a Landscape, 1995. Photography by John Lauener