‘The Beginning of Happiness’ premieres online, February 17 to 24
The Beginning of Happiness is a new work that explores and reflects upon issues pertaining to violence against women. All elements of the work itself – text, music and dance – are created and performed by women.
This collaboration between Good Women Dance Collective and FEMME Vocal Quartet composed by Jane Berry was originally slated to be a live performance in March 2020 and was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new work has now been transformed into a film, co-directed by Jane Berry and Tamarra Lessard – with original music by Berry and Lessard leading as Director of Photography.
The 30 minute film is available to watch on demand, February 17 to 24 on Fringe TV.
Tickets are pay-what-you-will with a suggested price of $10. Fifty percent of proceeds will be donated to WIN House to support women and youth facing domestic violence.
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Contact
media@goodwomen.ca
About FEMME Vocal Quartet
FEMME is a professional-level female vocal quartet comprised of Dawn Bailey, Jane Berry, Sable Chan, and Amy Voyer. Their mandate is to amplify and create space to explore contemporary female experiences and perspectives through choral singing.
About Jane Berry
Jane Berry is an Edmonton based artist who is quickly gaining a reputation for both developing and performing works motivated by a desire to use her voice as a composer, musician, and visual artist to increase visibility amongst underrepresented populations. Her compositions have been described as making an “impact that went far beyond the music-making” (Mark Morris, 2017) and she often tackles difficult subject matter in her works including domestic violence, mental illness, grief, and the navigation of sexuality. Berry currently holds the position of Composer in Residence for Choir Alberta and works as an educator. Berry moved to Edmonton to work on her PhD of Philosophy in Music Theory, holds a Masters of Arts in Music Theory from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelors of Music in Composition from Acadia University, and an After Degree in Education from the University of Alberta. Read more.
About Tamarra Lessard
Tamarra Lessard is an award-winning documentary filmmaker based in Edmonton, CAN, whose work has taken her across the globe. Primarily working as a Director of Photography, Tamarra’s style is distinct, direct and decisive, with a strong focus on visual storytelling. In 2019, she directed, hosted, and produced the 6-part digital documentary Big Things Small Towns (CBC Gem). The success of the first season led Tamarra to win the Alberta Media Production Industries Association’s award for Best Host at the 2020 Rosie Awards, as well as a green light for a second season. Read More.