Don't You Feel delves into the themes of loneliness and existential despair, set at the enigmatic radio station Eternity. Adapted from Mila Posvirina’s work, the central image is a solitary whale that communicates on a different frequency, believing itself to be the last of its kind. This whale embodies the deepest isolation, and as the audience, we join in its isolation, exploring the depths of loneliness before finding the strength to overcome it. Denise Clarke’s haunting performance, paired with the visceral dance of Mario Lemvar and Zaria Rajha, creates a profound meditation on death and solitude. Directed by Rita Rebetskaia, this production blends theater and dance to confront and transcend our most profound fears.
Content Warning:
Potentially triggering Content - Violence, Suicide, Death
Featured Artists
Rita Rebetskaia ·
Rita Rebetskaia, originally from Moscow, Russia, began her rhythmic gymnastics training at age 5 and joined the Igor Moiseyev Ballet upon graduating from the Igor Moiseyev Dance Academy. She has performed globally with the company and graduated from the Russian Academy of Theatre Arts in theater criticism. In 2016, Rita founded the inclusive theater InterAction. After relocating to Canada in 2021, she taught ballet and character work at the Alberta Ballet School and participated in the Professional Training Program at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. As an independent artist in Canada, she has contributed to projects like Dancing Monkey Laboratory and Error 404 Dance Found, and served as a choreographer for productions such as Monster's Call and Shakespeare in Love. Since fall 2023, she has been pursuing an MFA at the University of Calgary, and this summer, she premiered Where Have All the Witches Gone by Macie Lockhart at the Calgary Fringe Festival.
Zaria Rajha ·
Zaria Rajha (She/Her) is a movement artist and choreographer with a passion for exploring human existence through dance. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Dance from the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts in Damascus, Syria, where she trained in dance, choreography, theatrical movement, mime, and puppetry. In 2023, Zaria co-founded Error 404 Dance Found Collective and serves as its artistic director. She has co-choreographed and performed in festivals such as the Quick+Dirty Festival (Dancer Studio West), the Grand Residency (Grand Theatre), and Fluid Festival (Springboard Performance).Zaria’s background in hip-hop and contemporary dance informs her unique style, blending innovative movement with deep emotional resonance. Her 2023 production "Error 404" at the Grand Theatre was praised for its distinctive choreography, fusing joy and drama.
Mario Lemvar ·
Mario Lemvar and Zaria Rajha are acclaimed movement artists and choreographers whose work explores the depths of human existence through dance. Both are graduates of the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts in Damascus, Syria, where they honed their skills in performing arts, including dance, choreography, theatrical movement, mime, and puppetry. As co-founders of the Error 404 Dance Found Collective, they have emerged as prominent figures in the Canadian dance scene. Their innovative choreography and performances have been showcased at various festivals, such as the Quick+Dirty Festival, where they received the Audience Choice Award, the Grand Residency Cabaret, and the Fluid Festival. With Zaria’s expertise in hip-hop and contemporary dance and Mario’s background in bboying and breakdance, their fusion of styles creates captivating and emotionally resonant work. Their recent production, “Error 404,” at the Grand Theatre further highlights their creative prowess.
Denise Clarke ·
Denise Clarke is a versatile theatre artist recognized for her work as a choreographer, actor, director, playwright, and teacher. She is an Associate Artist and permanent member of the One Yellow Rabbit Theatre Ensemble, where she also directs the BeautifulYoungArtist program. Clarke has made significant contributions to theatre with works including The Erotic Irony of Old Glory, Touch, Breeder, and her latest piece, Salon for the 2024 OYR High Performance Rodeo. In addition to her creative achievements, she published The Big Secret Book in 2019. Clarke’s remarkable career has earned her prestigious accolades such as the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award (2007), the City of Calgary Mayor’s Distinguished Artist Award (2011), and an Honourary Doctorate from the University of Calgary (2013). In December 2013, she was appointed a member of the Order of Canada.
Credits:
- Director and choreographer: Rita Rebetskaia
- Choreographers/ performers: Zaria Rajha, Mario Lemvar
- Actor: Denise Clarke
- Playwright: Mila Prosvirina
- Lighting design: Matt Levesque
- Stage design: Alexander Barmenkov
- Sound design: Daniel Galvao
- Costumes and projection design: Cassie Holmes | Associate costume and projection design: Brock Keeler
- Technical director: Pavel Linkov
- Stage/production manager: Darya Ivanova
- Graphic design: Max Tataev (photo and video), Marina Gaiman