The Dance Centre presents the West Coast premiere of Vancouver-based choreographer Sophie Dow and UK-based composer/multi-instrumentalist Laura Reznek’s striking multidisciplinary work, Agrimony, at Scotiabank Dance Centre on September 20 and 21, 2024.

Co-created by Dow and Reznek, Agrimony walks the edge between evocative live concert and embodied contemporary dance and examines our desperate search for authenticity within a society that forces us to mask our truest selves.

“Born out of the personal healing both Laura and I experienced, in response to times of trauma and grief in our own lives, Agrimony is a meditation on fear, connection, truth, and identity,” says Dow. “The performance takes audiences on a spellbinding journey of rediscovering one’s self-recognizing and removing the masks that society has forced us to wear throughout our lives and for our own protection.”

Deeply rooted in Dow and Reznek’s artistic collaboration, Agrimony is based on Reznek’s 2021 full-length indie pop album of the same name, which evolved from their joint creative project in 2018. Inspired by the small yellow flower agrimony, often used in plant medicine for healing, the work investigates the restorative power of removing the masks that have built up over time from trauma, fear, conformity, and disconnection.

Agrimony features four dance artists in intricate masks, with live musical accompaniment by Reznek on vocals, piano, violin and guitar, and four accompanying musicians. Informed by Reznek’s lyrical and introspective score, Dow’s graceful yet highly kinetic choreography references inquisitive, theatrical gestures coupled with contemporary clown and mask work.

“Agrimony is an uplifting and radiant exploration of courage and authenticity,” adds Reznek. “As the performance builds, with each section reflecting new discoveries about ourselves and those around us, we ultimately learn how our own healing is the necessary catalyst for building a healthier future for our communities and our world.”