Every day the regional news media reminds viewers of divisiveness in the world. But the St. Albert Baha’i community, sponsors of the 17th annual Unity in Diversity variety show at the Arden Theatre this Saturday, choose to focus on building bridges between different cultures.
“I believe that the event provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the diversity we are so lucky to have in our community. The event is really intended to build positive relations amongst members of our community and to promote the elimination of all forms of prejudice,” says Nura Taef, an event organizer.
This goal is accomplished by featuring a mix of artists from many different backgrounds, cultures, religions, races, ages and levels of ability. This year, the bill showcases a range of talent from dancers and musicians to actors and singers.
“We try to encourage as much local talent as possible and this year we are very fortunate to have in our program the Kathryn Campbell School of Highland Dance as well as the St. Albert Theatre Arts Guild Entertainers (STAGE).”
STAGE is remounting The Crossing, one of eight plays that received their world premiere at the StArts Festival in September. Written by St. Albert playwright Christine Babiak, The Crossing is an homage to her Ukrainian grandmother who arrived by ship in 1919.
Directed by Stanley Haroun, this poignant production shows a young couple played by Lauren Baril and Kelly Aisenstat who have left their home to pioneer in a new world. To add veracity, Baril will even don the original clothes Babiak’s grandmother wore. “Unless you are First Nations, you come from another country, and this is something everyone can relate to,” says organizer Renie Zeitz.
And the CHICKAdivas, including St. Albert’s Bartha Hartman-Stehlin, in one of their rare local performances will wow the crowd with intricate a cappella harmonies that blend pop, folk and jazz.
Bella and Bello, a salsa dance group of four couples headed by Gino Akbari and Audrey Cameron, have created a style that blends Peruvian and Canadian roots. “The four couples are very graceful.”
In a nod to Canada’s First Nations, Rhythm Speaks combines powwow dances with salsa, merengue and hip-hop. “They call it b-boying or b-girling, but they have a very positive message of peace, love and unity.”
The colourful Ushu Kala Niketan, an East Indian dance group that is a popular event at Heritage Days will present a Bollywood style of dance.
And Azar, a talented Azerbaijani group using strings, drums and a singer and dancer create the hypnotic sounds of the Caspian Sea.
Unfortunately Madi Amyotte, one of the six top finalists in The Next Star, was forced to cancel due to a conflict of engagements.
Refreshments are served following the show.
