Those Roots Within — Alida Esmail + Sophia Wright + Hodan Youssouf

Alida Esmail + Sophia Wright + Hodan Youssouf
Those Roots Within

February 26 → March 1, 2025 | 7:30 pm
March 1, 2025 + 2pm

Presented at MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels)

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What happens when Deaf and hearing cultures meet in performance?

Those Roots Within is a contemporary dance duo created by Alida Esmail, Sophia Wright and Hodan Youssouf. Themes of minority identity and immigration come to life through movement, signed music, vibrations and lighting, as Esmail and Youssouf transform the stage into a map of the world, retracing the steps of their ancestors.

Their paths come together and go out of sync, offering a reflection on intersection, disconnections and their family histories. Esmail and Youssouf exist in their respective realities, negotiating with the world around them.

At each intersection of their trajectories, a reflection is possible on solidarity and on the efforts needed to carry out the crucial work of communication between diverse experiences.
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LSQ and ASL interpreters will be on hand 1 hour before and 1 hour after each performance.

Public+ activities surrounding the show:

→ Post-show conversation hosted by Jo-Anne Bryan
Friday, February 28 – Following the 7:30pm performance
Offered in French, English, LSQ and ASL

→ Childcare service during the performance
Saturday March 1st – 2pm
Free – Offered to Deaf and hearing children aged 3 to 10 whose parents hold tickets
During childcare, artist Marie-Pierre Petit will offer a co-creation workshop combining theatrical games, body expression and facial expression, with an art-clownesque approach. The exercises proposed are above all interactive and inclusive, guaranteeing fun and creativity!
Register your child here.

→ After Party + Happy Birthday Hodan!
Saturday, March 1 – Following the 7:30pm performance
The final performance of Those Roots Wihtin will be followed by a party for the Deaf and hearing communities with surprise performances & Indian food.