A Side of Dreams Synopsis and Info Sheet

A Side of Dreams Synopsis and Info Sheet
Loss of culture and generational trauma can silence the best of us. But as
one single mother discovers, the spirit of the Dreamcatcher can be
awakened with prayer and the ancestors you meet in the world of
dreams may not be what you expected.
Written by seasoned
artist, Jani Lauzon, A
Side of Dreams is a
multi-disciplinary
theatre experience
incorporating aerial
hoop, puppetry,
sound design, music,
visual imagery and
text.
(L-R Jessica Barrera as Aina, the image of Spider Woman and Jani Lauzon as Haisa)
With the help of Spiderwoman
weaving her web, Haisa, (Jani
Lauzon) a troubled and silent Métis
mother awakens the spirit of the
Dreamcatcher where Haisa meets
multi-generational ancestors who
help her face the truth of family
secrets and ancestral/community
violence so that she may regain
her voice and reconcile with her
angry and isolated daughter Aina
(Jessica Barrera).
Jessica Barrera as Aina
Paper Canoe Projects
19 Gates Ave. Toronto, ON M4C 1T1
www.papercanoeprojects.com
[email protected]
A Side of Dreams Synopsis and Info Sheet
In the world of dreams, in this land of
subconscious reality, Haisa appears
as a Banraku puppet, brilliantly
manipulated by award winning
puppeteer Trish Leeper with Jessica
Barrera as her assistant.
L-R Jessica Barrera, the puppet Haisa and Trish Leeper
There she meets a mythical dragon, a Northern Boat man and both Haisa
and her daughter Aina face the truth behind the death of Haisa’s mother
Katherine.
L-R Jessica Barrera, Jani Lauzon
Jani Lauzon as Pudlums
L-R Jessica Barrera, Jani Lauzon, Haisa Puppet, Trish Leeper
Paper Canoe Projects
19 Gates Ave. Toronto, ON M4C 1T1
www.papercanoeprojects.com
[email protected]
A Side of Dreams Synopsis and Info Sheet
To complete her healing, Haisa’s
ancestors encourage ceremony
to help spin away the pain in
her bones.
L-R Jessica Barrera as Aina, puppet Haisa, Trish Leeper (puppeteer)
Upon her return, Haisa not only calls her daughters name for the first time
in years but is able to complete the making of the Dreamcatcher and
teach her daughter the first few steps of the dance, wise advise given to
her by one of her ancestors.
Running at 55 minutes, A Side of Dreams will appeal to young audiences
as well as grown-ups, ending in a joyful message of reconciliation and the
power of regaining one’s voice, as well as the importance of embracing
ancestral memory. The journey incorporates an exquisite score composed
by award winning composer Marsha Coffey (with Lauzon), and a
beautifully executed projection design by Melissa Joakim.
The Side of Dreams gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario
Arts Council, National Arts Centre, Canada Council for the Arts, Arcadia
Co-op, Thunderbird Centre/Miziwe Biik Employment & Training and AC
Mechanical Contractors Ltd.
Paper Canoe Projects
19 Gates Ave. Toronto, ON M4C 1T1
www.papercanoeprojects.com
[email protected]