Zoom Shadow (2021 - 2023)
Inspired by UNESCO’s designation of Intangible Cultural Heritage, we are curious about what intangible treasures each of us may hold. We've been exploring this notion by inviting people to create miniature shadow plays (an intangible medium) about something they hold most precious.
During the time of Covid -19 restrictions, actor Sarah May Redmond and puppeteer Cathy Stubington developed a process of co-creation over the Zoom platform (another intangible medium), thus we call the project Zoom Shadow.
So far two sets of shadow plays have been made. The first was our pilot run, involving people that we have worked with before. The second is a collaboration with Vancouver Moving Theatre and storytellers involved in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.
Zoom Shadow: Our Intangible Treasures
Facilitator/directors - Sarah May Redmond and Cathy Stubington
Composer/ musical director -Joelysa Pankanea
Technician - Harper Friedman
Storytellers - Mariel Belanger, Harper Friedman, Ama Nishihara and Sheila Campbell, Sarah May Redmond, Rene Hugo Sanchez with Eliska Hugo Rucko, Cathy Stubington, Sophie Yendole, Dallas, Stephen Lytton, Rev. Dr. Victoria Marie, Gunargie O’Sullivan (ga’axstasalas), Priscillia Mays Tait, Savannah Walling and Elwin Xie.
Made possible with support of B.C. Arts Council and the Government of British Columbia
This is a showing of our second group of Treasures, made by residents of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, facilitated by Sarah Redmond and Cathy Stubington. This took place at the Heart of the City Festival, and was a partnership between Runaway Moon and Vancouver Moving Theatre.
Artistic Process
Runaway Moon Theatre is creating a series of shadow puppetry plays about stories that encapsulate what we call Intangible Personal Treasures. Zoom is the platform for co-creating, practising and sharing. Taking inspiration from UNESCO’s list of designated Intangible Cultural Heritage, we wish to broaden the pool of treasures - identifying the even more specific or personal expressions of being in the world. Shadow is a perfect medium through which to describe the intangible.
Theatre artists Sarah Redmond and Cathy Stubington have invited people from a broad diversity of backgrounds and experience to be part of the 8-session project. The two facilitator/directors help creator/participants to identify a personal Intangible Treasure, and facilitate making a simple shadow show about it. It is rehearsed and recorded on Zoom, with the creator’s voice telling the story. Joelysa Pankanea then makes soundtrack for each.