Performed by Casimiro Nhussi of NAfro Dance and Pulga Muchochoma,
dance Immersion & Canadian Stage: Curatorial and Presenting Partners.
MUKUTHÔ
World Premiere Dance Work by Casimiro Nhussi & Pulga Muchochoma in partnership with dance Immersion
MUKUTHÔ is a new collaborative dance work by Casimiro Nhussi and Pulga Muchochoma. This world premiere work is based on a Mozambican ritual from the Chuabo tribe that is performed by elders to communicate with ancestors for guidance, forgiveness, and reconnection to the living. This ritual also serves to welcome new family members, connect different generations within families, and as the method of passing knowledge from elders to younger generations through dance, song, and music. Customarily, people will sit around a circle while the elder pours white corn flour into a white fabric on the floor; they then lead a prayer while everyone around the circle answers with a traditional word followed by a double clap. Both Casimiro and Pulga are from Mozambique, and the goals for this work are for the artists to find connections to the ancestors and to reconnect to our past. MUKUTHÔ takes audience members on a journey of experiencing this ritual through a performance of dance, song, and live music.
From the Artists: In African traditions, there is always a belief that we are connected to our ancestors. We believe that our ancestors are the ones that guide us, the ones who pave the path for us to walk through, the ones who turn on the light in the days of darkness, the ones that connect us with Mother Nature and teach us to love one another. Therefore, for Africans, it does not matter what part of the world we are living in, we are always connected and communicating with our ancestors and with Mother Nature. At this moment, we need to communicate with our spirits, our ancestors, and to Mother Nature. At this moment, we need to regain our strength and rejuvenate our souls. At this moment, we need to communicate with whatever we believe so that we can get up and continue with our journey.
Dream in High Park Safety Guidelines
The Dream in High Park outdoor experience has been designed with the safety and comfort of patrons, artists, and staff as the top priority. Canadian Stage will continue to monitor and respond to governmental policy changes and advice from health authorities to ensure we are always up-to-date and offering the safest experience possible.
Things to know.
- Vaccination and Masks: Policies around face masks and vaccination are evolving. At the time of publication, face masks will be optional, as will proof vaccination is no longer required
- Reduced Contact: As much as possible, interactions between staff and patrons will be contactless. This includes ticket scanning, box office transactions, and health screenings.
- Sanitation: Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the venue. All high-touch surfaces will be sanitized both prior to and following each performance.
- Protecting Your Purchase: We understand that things change. If a performance is cancelled or you are no longer comfortable attending the theatre, you will have your choice of one of the following:
- An account credit to use for a future Canadian Stage production
- A tax receipt in the amount of the ticket donation
Please do not attend if you have a fever or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of attending, or if you have had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19.
All residents and visitors of Toronto must follow the City of Toronto's current Public Health regulations. Click here to view the current Public Health Regulations for the City of Toronto.
Liability Waiver
While we have put measures in place to enhance safety and help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from person to person, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in public places where people gather. By attending Dream in High Park, you voluntarily assume all risks related to possible exposure of COVID-19. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in removal from the venue.
Canadian Stage has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council. This international symbol is designed to allow travellers to recognize companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene safety measures that ensure customers experiences are safe.
Protect High Park
High Park is a unique and sacred ecosystem. We can all do our part to keep it vibrant for generations to come. Here are some guidelines on how to enjoy the park responsibly:
- Stay on paths. They were created to allow you to enjoy nature without affecting it. Stepping off a marked path may seem innocent, but it can result in damage to animal habitats and nests and can cause harm to native plants vital to maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
- Don’t disturb plants and animals by moving their things around. This is their home. That branch might have a specific purpose. Best to leave everything as is. They will appreciate it.
- Leave no trace. Anything you bring on your visit including wrappers, snacks and masks, should exit the park when you do.
- Open your heart. The beauty of High Park is to be experienced with your heart. Be present, listen to the sounds, enjoy the views and smells, feel the freshness of the air, and your spirit will swell.
By following these responsible practices, we can minimize our impact on the natural environment in High Park. Enjoy your visit!
Please note that vehicular access to the park is very limited. Please be prepared to walk to the Amphitheatre from one of the numerous points of entry to High Park.
Dream in High Park FAQs
Where is the High Park Amphitheatre?
The High Park Amphitheatre is situated in the heart of one of Toronto's most significant and iconic natural sites, High Park.
Please visit our High Park Venue and Directions page for detailed location maps and directions.
Is the High Park Amphitheatre accessible?
The pathway leading from the road/sidewalk to the Amphitheatre seating is a natural, unpaved pathway and you may encounter tree roots, rocks, and sections of uneven ground.
Accessible seating is available in the top row of the Amphitheatre. Please inform our Box Office representatives if you require accessible seating when booking your tickets.
At least one accessible portable washroom will be available with roll in ground level access, grab bars, and a self-closing, unmotorized door.
While the pathway within the amphitheatre grounds is lit after sunset, the portion of pathway between the amphitheatre grounds and the road/sidewalk is not.
Wheel Trans Arrivals
Wheel Trans Vehicles are permitted to enter High Park on weekends, via bookings on the Wheel Trans website. Please note: all High Park weekend Wheel Trans schedules are co-ordinated by the City of Toronto to ensure the gates are opened for vehicles. Canadian Stage does not have access to these gates.
Where can I park?
While there are several parking areas within High Park, please be sure to check the City of Toronto website to verify whether vehicular traffic is permitted in the park on the day of your performance.
Please note that High Park is closed to vehicles on the weekends. Parking can be found along Parkside Drive or Bloor St W. The closest entrances to the amphitheatre are located at High Park Blvd & Parkside Dr and Bloor St W & High Park Dr. Both of these entrances are a 15 minute walk from the park entrance to the amphitheatre.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets for Dream in High Park are general admission seating. At noon on the day of the performance, Rush Pay-What-You-Wish (PWYW) tickets will become available online or by phone. These will also be available at the gate, beginning 2 hours prior to the performance, subject to availability.
How will I receive my ticket(s)?
Tickets will be delivered to you as a PDF attachment by email. You may either print your tickets and bring them with you to your performance, or you can display your ticket barcode(s) on your mobile device. Please be sure to have your tickets ready upon arrival and, if you are using your mobile device, have the brightness turned all the way up.
Do I have specific seats reserved?
Seating in the High Park Amphitheatre is General Admission.
Will we be seated on chairs?
Chairs are not permitted in the main amphitheater seating area. Seating is on the ground, and we recommend guests bring blankets, cushions, and/or pillows to add to their comfort. If you are require accessible seating, there are limited chairs on-site, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Box Office if you'd like to reserve accessibility seating on the day of your performance.
When should I arrive at the amphitheatre?
The gates to the Amphitheatre generally open 2 hours prior to each performance. As seating is General Admission, we recommend arriving as early as possible to find a spot in the Amphitheatre.
What should I bring?
The High Park Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue so we suggest you wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. You may also wish to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a blanket or cushions on which to sit.
Can I bring my pet with me?
No, except for service animals, pets are not allowed in the High Park Amphitheatre.
Are there washrooms available on site?
Portable washrooms, including an accessible portable washroom, are available on site for the use of ticketed patrons, and are regularly sanitized. All washrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizers. Please sanitize your hands before and after use.
Can we bring our own food and beverages with us?
Yes. We encourage guests who arrive early to bring a picnic with them to enjoy as they wait for the performance to begin.
Please note that alchoholic beverages are not permitted in the High Park Amphitheatre.
Will food and drink be available for purchase?
Yes, pre-packaged snacks and beverages will be available for sale.
