ODD Presents “Movement Stories”— Character-Driven Performances from Kathryn Ricketts and Lana Morton

Ottawa Dance Directive (ODD) is set to present Movement Stories, a series of thought-provoking and character-driven dance performances on October 3 and 4, 2024. Held at the intimate ODD BOX, the evening will feature the unique talents of Kathryn Ricketts, a performer and choreographer based in Saskatchewan, and ODD’s own Lana Morton. These two artists will bring to life four compelling, often humorous works, each of which explores the complex and constraining expectations, or “shoulds”, that shape our lives.

Through dance, movement, and character portrayal, Ricketts and Morton will each invite viewers to take a fully physical and often reflective look at how we navigate life. The evening promises moments of tenderness, humour, and deep introspection.

Autres Fréquences (Other Frequencies), promises to transport the audience to yet another emotional and conceptual space. Its title suggests a journey into the unseen, the unheard, and the often-unexplored aspects of human experience. In keeping with the theme of Movement Stories, this work will challenge the audience to tune into the frequencies of their own lives and question the “shoulds” that govern their actions.

Oh What a World, with choreography and dance by Kathryn Ricketts, offers a captivating exploration of failure, risk-taking, and the pressures we place on ourselves to live up to societal expectations. The protagonist, Rufus, is a retired clown dressed in a three-piece suit. Far from a typical clown performance, Rufus serves as a mirror reflecting the absurdity and beauty found in imperfection.

In Hal and the Hoarder, Ricketts shifts gears, introducing the character of Hal—a figure as quirky as he is poignant. Hal is dressed in a beige jacket adorned with a hand-embroidered emblem that designates him as a Regina Exhibition dignitary. Topping off his ensemble is a hat emblazoned with a bronze bull, signalling a man who straddles the line between the absurd and the ceremonial. Hal takes the audience on an emotional journey through a series of eulogies.

Rickett’s third offering, Re-purposing Harlequin Romance, blurs the boundaries between performance, literature, and improvisation. This work takes the often-dismissed genre of Harlequin Romance novels and transforms it into an unexpected platform for poetic exploration.

Through the diverse and richly layered performances in Movement Stories, the Ottawa Dance Directive offers a night that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Kathryn Ricketts and Lana Morton bring a rare blend of humour, heart, and intellectual depth to their work and will create an experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Tickets to Movement Stories can be obtained from the ODD Eventbrite ticketing platform using this link.

For more information on Movement Stories or other upcoming performances, visit the ODD website at odd-cdc.org