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Episode #2: Interview with the Artist

1. What is your name and the name of your company?
JOSH BEAMISH/MOVE: the company

2. What is the exact location of where you are based?
VANCOUVER, BC

3. Tell us in 25 characters who you are. 
Yikes. I’m a movement junkie.

4. Who has been the greatest influence in your life and why?
Probably my mother. She is a ballet teacher and she introduced me to dance. I feel that dance defines who I am as it is so ingrained in every element of my life – family, friends, work, passion, partners. I wouldn’t have dance, or life for that matter, if it weren’t for her. The second greatest influence would be Cathy Eilers at Joyce SoHo in New York. She saw something in me and my work right from the beginning and has supported me ever since. And honestly, how often does a presenter home bake you cookies? That’s Cathy.

5. What was the last book or film you read/saw?
I am ashamed to say that I don’t remember the last book I read, unless you count the full anthology of Canada Council guidelines. The last film I saw in theatres was Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen. The last film I watched at home was Moulin Rouge – my personal favourite.

6.Tell us a little about the work you are performing at d:mic/fac
Tools for Cutting is one of my most personal works. Inspired by my experience of growing up in a hockey-focused Canadian small-town environment, the work explores the relationship between sports equipment and male identity. I’m interested in the positions men play within the sport of their choice. For example, what makes one man a good defensive player and what draws him to that guarded state? The work also engages in the stunted maturity of males. Why do we mature slower than women and further, why do some of us never get there?

7. Is Toronto a good place to perform in?
I love performing in Toronto. The community feels very open to new artists and new work. I think the general public is also more inclined to take the initiative to experience culture in Toronto than they are in Vancouver. This seems to be a difference in the East Coast mentality. I respond well to this difference.

8. What do you do without fail following a show or before a show, to prepare?
I’m a big coconut water consumer. I drink it before every show. We’re also shirtless in this piece, so I do push-ups.

9. What is your favourite thing about Toronto? 
Most of my experience with Toronto has been dance related. I loved working with TDT and Ballet Jörgen. Both companies are full of fantastic people who were very welcoming and inspiring. Further, all of the independent artists that I’ve met have been very supportive and open individuals. I guess I love the people and but happily leave the snow. Luckily, this festival takes place in August.

See Josh Beamish’s Tools for Cutting at the Kudelka Series, August 12th at 7:00 p.m., August 13th at 9:00 p.m. and August 14th at 4:00 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.artsboxoffice.ca or by calling 416.504.7529.

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