Bravo Niagara! Announces Major Gift from
The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation
To Support New Production Kimiko’s Pearl
Bravo Niagara! is thrilled to announce a major gift from The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation to support Kimiko’s Pearl, a new multidisciplinary production that will honour the resilience of the Japanese Canadian community and shed light on a dark chapter in Canadian history.
Kimiko’s Pearl is based on a story by Emmy Award-winning writer Howard Reich inspired by the family history of Bravo Niagara!’s co-founders Christine Mori and Alexis Spieldenner, who serve as co-creators and producers of Kimiko’s Pearl alongside producer Jeff Herd. Commissioned by Bravo Niagara!, Kimiko’s Pearl features original music by Kevin Lau and choreography by Yosuke Mino. The production features dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and three generations of Japanese Canadian visual artists and musicians.
“We are deeply grateful for this transformational gift from The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, which will play an instrumental role in bringing our dream of Kimiko’s Pearl to the world stage,” said Christine Mori, Bravo Niagara! Artistic Director.
Kimiko’s Pearl unfurls the bittersweet story of one family – spanning four generations – set against the turbulent backdrop of World War II. The story reflects the tragedies and triumphs of Japanese Canadian families before, during and after the period of internment. Their harsh experiences attest to heroism and hope in the face of racism.
“I am honoured to give voice to my family’s story and the Japanese Canadian experience,” said Alexis Spieldenner, Bravo Niagara! Executive Director. “The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation's support will significantly enhance the production, presentation, and tour development of this important new work.”
More details on the premiere and future touring will be announced at a later date.
For more information, please visit www.kimikospearl.com and follow @kimikos_pearl.
Bravo Niagara! gratefully acknowledges the following supporters of Kimiko’s Pearl:
Lead Commissioning Partners: Canada Council for the Arts; Carol and David Appel
Voices of Freedom Festival Lead Sponsor: TD Bank Group
Commissioning Partners: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre; Ontario Arts Council
Creation Partner: The Frank H. Hori Charitable Foundation
Major Supporters: Nancy Lockhart and The Murray Frum Foundation; John Hawley, In Memory of Liz Hawley
Supporter: National Association of Japanese Canadians Endowment Fund
Heritage Partner: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Technology Partner: Meyer Sound