Winter Fantasia: Reimagined

Dec 8-11, 2022

The Winter Solstice, a time of transition when the dwindling light and the sun are finally poised return, has been celebrated thousands of years and marks a season of festivities and storytelling on every continent and in many cultures. For several seasons, Kanopy’s Winter Fantasia has presented two cherished winter stories rooted in Scandinavian folklore and brought to life through dance: “Once Upon a Winter’s Eve” and “The Norse Tree of Life” and they will continue to be a treasured part of the concert’s program.

Starting this season, Kanopy presents Winter Fantasia: Reimagined—designed to enrich the spirit of the holiday celebration by showcasing important contributions of other cultures– with the debut of a world premiere, “Chalo Ramiye “, commissioned by Kanopy from South Asian dancer and choreographer Udbhav Desai. “Chalo Ramiye” (or “let’s play in Gujarati”), is a “garba” folk dance, and it is performed in ritualistic reverence of the Hindu goddess “Durga”, a protector of all that is good and harmonious in the world. Performing the festive garba dance form is a major highlight of the nine-day Hindu festival, Sharad Navratri, that honors “Durga” and has been observed for centuries.

As part of the reimagined Winter Fantasia, noted costume designer David Quinn has created a wardrobe of new costumes for Lisa Thurrell’s “Once Upon a Winter’s Eve” an imaginary journey into the lives of the mythological creatures including fairies and elves. Quinn, who designed many of the fabrics himself, was inspired by images of folk wear and medieval clothing as well as by the designers Alexander McQueen, Rei Kawakubo, and Guo Pei in ornately weaving and detailing his creative collection of gender-fluid costumes for Kanopy’s dancers.

Performing at the Overture Center for the Arts

Reception Following the Friday Night Performance

THU Dec 8, 7PM

FRI Dec 9, 7:30PM

SAT Dec 10, 2 & 5PM

SUN Dec 11, 1 & 4PM

Tickets (reserved seating): $40

Groups: 4 or more $35

Ages 18 & under $20

Students $20

Age Recommendation: All Ages

Running Time: 75 minutes