Our Vision
The Miikana Project is an indigenous lead collective, presently operating on the unceeded territories of the ḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Our vision is to assist in the decolonization and amplification of Canadian artistic creation though consultation and workshop support.
Our Mission
· To assist in the creation and amplification of new Canadian stories.
· To provide and consult on opportunities for artistic innovation and sustainability.
· Foster mentorship for emerging artists and production students
· Activities ancillary to the attainment of the above purposes.
Our Process
The Miikana Project connects collaborative networks and residencies to amplify diverse narratives, creating new ways of storytelling.
Acting as a catalyst for innovation, the Miikana Project supports and explores a variety of performance disciplines and curation methods from workshop to initial presentations.
We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions, including writing retreat support, production management consulting, and creation assistance.
Upcoming Projects
The Spanish Hour
The Spanish Hour
The Spanish Hour
Based on the original by the same title, this re-imagining workshop of the 55 minute comedy operetta features an all-out team from of the queer community; including JP Raftery, Peter Tiefenbach, and Gordon Gerrard.
The Miikana Project will provide production consultation and workshop support for the showcase presenting on the Telus Stud
Based on the original by the same title, this re-imagining workshop of the 55 minute comedy operetta features an all-out team from of the queer community; including JP Raftery, Peter Tiefenbach, and Gordon Gerrard.
The Miikana Project will provide production consultation and workshop support for the showcase presenting on the Telus Studio Stage at the UBC Chan Centre.
Vancouver, BC
July 26-27, 2024.
Training the Eye
The Spanish Hour
The Spanish Hour
Using a toolkit of design elements anchored in light and pigment-vision color theory, emerging and established designers of all disciplines develop solutions through lighting various scenarios of inclusive skin tones, makeup, costume, and painted and projected scenery. The workshop's inspiration is the heart-wrenching comment at the produ
Using a toolkit of design elements anchored in light and pigment-vision color theory, emerging and established designers of all disciplines develop solutions through lighting various scenarios of inclusive skin tones, makeup, costume, and painted and projected scenery. The workshop's inspiration is the heart-wrenching comment at the production desk, "Why can't we see their faces?"
The Miikana Project and CITT/ICTS present a two-day design workshop to develop color interaction skills in a safe and inclusive learning space. Initial presentation developed with Association of Design Canada and World Stage Design at the Henry Wolfe Theatre.
Saskatoon, SK
August 13-14, 2024
Past Projects
Give 'Em Hell
Inspired by real-life student activism, the new play retells the final school year leading up to the 2012 closure of Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PCVS) in Ontario, Canada.
Written by Peterborough-born, award-winning playwright Madeleine Brown and featuring a cast of eight local teenagers, Give ‘em Hell explores the power of youth activism, the perils of self-discovery and what it costs to stand up for a cause.
Working with Theatre Director and Prairie Fire Please, Miikana Project provided production consulting and developed backstage mentorship training in Scenic Paint, Lighting and Stage Management.
September 2023
Manaadjia
Ruby Award winner, Opera Singer, Community and Arts Engager Rebecca Hass explores the bridge between colonial opera and family traditions. She examines her own blood memory reflections through Metis and Anishinaabe cultures; re-discovering language, heritage and relationships. The piece does not examine indigenous culture; rather utilizes family traditions of storytelling and personal experience to illustrate how we are all connected though memories and love.
Together with Pacific Opera Victoria and the Intrepid Music Festival, Miikana Project provided indigenous and production consultation for the Spring workshop presentation.
May 2023
Stabat Mater
In this unconventional format, Edmonton Opera guides the audience through the unseen backstage corridors of the Northern Jubilee Theatre; intimately joining the performers onstage. This immersive theatre experience uses space in a non-traditional way, challenging both spectator and performer. Jennifer Tarver directs a choreographed performance of Pergolesi’s music, accompanied by special musical guests in this brand-new production. The piece features two company singing debuts, UK countertenor Magid El-Bushra and soprano Mireille Asselin. Undertaking such an innovative challenge, making this production particularly noteworthy.
The Miikana Project provided Stage Management and Production Management Mentorship, along with Technical Consulting for the piece.
April 2023
Orphée
Journeying into the depths of the underworld with Orphée in search of his beloved Eurydice, this opera has riveted audiences around the world for centuries. The show’s stunning visual effects, acrobatics and multi-disciplinary performance have never been seen on the Northern Jubilee Stage. Joel Ivany once again directs this co-production with Against the Grain Theatre and the Banff Centre for the Arts. Its new-age sound is supported by the Edmonton Opera Symphony under the baton of national Conductor Sandra Horst.
The Miikana Project provided technical consultation and apprenticeships in Stage Management and Technical Direction.
Feb 2023
Inertia
Through collaborative artistic networks and residencies with Loose Tea Music Theatre and Highland Opera Company, this double bill workshop supported two diverse teams in libretto and music development. The project also explored sustainable eco-design with new recycled products and low energy consumption techniques. Inertia explores elderly isolation, perceptions of death, and a meditation on stagnation, dying, love, and friendship. It tells the story of two elderly neighbours, Evelyn and Addison, who live next door to each other for decades but have little interaction with anyone. When Death comes to collect the two, he provides an option to change their entrenched ways and become friends. Composer Ashley Au and librettist Christene Browne bring this story to life with a unique artistic vision.
The Miikana Project provided technical support, Design and Stage Management Mentorship.
August 2022
The Museum of Lost and Found: Gaakaazootaadiwag
Through collaborative networks and residencies with Loose Tea Music Theatre and Highland Opera Company, this double bill workshop supported diverse libretto and music development teams while exploring sustainable eco-design with recycled products and low energy consumption techniques. The Museum of the Lost and Found: gaakaazootaadiwag is a site-specific piece that focuses on a fictional museum in the woods exhibiting items from various Lost and Found boxes. It serves as an allegory for how Western society treats missing person cases, specifically MMIWG2S, and is culturally centered on decolonizing spaces.
The Miikana Project provided Design and Stage Management apprenticeships.
August 2022
Presenting Partners
Independent Project Sponsors
