From Jacob:

Curatorial Statement for Nakai

As Artistic Director of Nakai Theatre, I take our multiple roles in our communities to heart. The company does not exist for my artistic expression or even the benefit of theatre artists in the Yukon, but rather for the benefit of a thriving territory and a strong social and creative life.

Of course, as Artistic Director and curator of Pivot, I do bring values and approaches to my work and they contribute to how I select and work with collaborators and performances. I think it’s best to be up front and honest about that.

Here are some of them. Of course, there are lots of ways to do all these things. And I’m happy to talk more about any of them.

A Good Night Out

Being glad you got a babysitter is more than a reasonable desire. This doesn't mean every show is going to be right for everyone, but it does mean we care and attend to the experience of the audience. We match the marketing to the show and provide the appropriate context for each performance.

Present

Theatre that acknowledges that we are all in the same room. This is performance’s magic – what is specific to our approach to storytelling that screens or paper cannot do. We, both the artists and the audience, are sharing a space, and celebrating that is powerful. In these times when isolation and atomization of experience is so encouraged, theatre can offer an alternative.

Engaged

Artists who will spend real time making connections with local artists and audiences. Value is created in the time and exchange between guests and people who live here. I want to work with artists who are excited and experts at this kind of exchange. Engaged artists build local response to their work as well as creating more capacity in the community and in themselves.

Relevant

Responding in the present, learning from the past, looking into the future. Our work resonates with the concerns, hopes and lives of folks in the early 21st Century. Being interested in sharing space at the same time does not mean rejecting or downplaying technology or change.

Specific

I believe we are best when we acknowledge and embrace our differences and find ways of relating and collaborating – honouring our specificity. I am drawn to work that has the courage to own its position and the specificities of its collaborations with generosity and curiosity.

Specificity also includes considering what is appropriate for the season and the context. In programming we must be aware of the needs and realities of our climate and social patterns. There are great shows that aren't great for January in Whitehorse. We will select different work for 18 hours of darkness than we will for 18 hours of light.

Similarly, different shows will work differently in different locations – a show might be right for an international festival but totally wrong for Haines Junction. I don't judge that one is better than the other, but do acknowledge that they're different contexts that need different treatment. It may also be that shows will work in different ways, or at different levels, for different audiences.

Respectful

We work with respect and expect the same of our collaborators. No one is so talented or important that this does not apply to them. This does not rule out silliness, critique or satire.

A good night out doesn’t mean checking our ethics or our minds at the door. Racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia aren’t funny. If we can’t find other ways of being funny, we shouldn’t be on stage.

Good ideas are entertaining. Don't doubt the intelligence of the audience, and don't assume their knowledge.

Contributing

Theatre practices have more to offer than just performances. I look for opportunities to connect beyond the arts and make a difference in people’s lives outside the theatre.

Some values I work with:

• Generosity, humour, the belief that singing together helps, a mischievous glint in the eye, commitment to social justice and systems change, interest in big ideas, art's capacity to make the familiar strange and the strange familiar, the importance of a good night out that doesn’t require checking your brain or ethics at the door.

To check out some of the things I’ve done in the past you can go to the Small Wooden Shoe website.

Types of folk we're hoping to meet:

Performers:

• Actors

• Storytellers

• Dancers (all styles)

• Circus Arts

• Musicians

• MC

• DJ

• etc…

Designers/Builders/Makers:

• Puppets

• Sets

• Lights

• Environments

• Boats/Barges

• etc...

Other kinds of creators including:

• Video makers

• Audio makers

• Podcast or radio makers

• etc…

For local, touring or visiting artists

Things to Know:

We are a company of two people, who arrange venues on a show by show basis.

We are interested in artists who are interested and able to connect locally beyond the performances. 

We are interested in building relationships over multiple years that may not start with a full presentation.

We’re not a cookie cutter stop on a tour – it’s not what we do best, or can afford – so we’re interested in open and flexible artists and shows that have some wiggle room.

Indoor programming windows: 

• End of January (Pivot Festival)

• Mid-February to early April

• We are unlikely to present any indoor programming during the summer.

• October-November

Outdoor programming windows:

I mean, year around, depending.

• When it’s warm, it’s not dark.

• When it’s dark, it’s not warm.

Seasonality is a key programming consideration of Nakai. 

Along with the values in the Curatorial Statement, 

Being able to answer the question “Which season?” would be very helpful.

Whitehorse and the Yukon are especially responsive and changing depending on the specifics of climate and place – and we care for these specificities when programming work. 

Will it be 18 hours of daylight or darkness? Are we coming out of summer or winter? These matter in terms of capacity and interest of the community and the form and content of the presentations.

Starting in 2023, we have spread out our presenting calendar, adding more flexibility while keeping our January programming focused on local installations and events.

Whitehorse Climate Averages

Financially:

Every situation is different, but also, there is a range that is helpful to know.

We have an average total budget of $12-15,000 for presenting fees throughout the year. This usually is spread over three different “shows” per year with at least two being from out of Territory. 

This budget also supports our local Short Works and Poetry Crawl events in January.

Sometimes we do something bigger, sometimes smaller. Bigger takes more time and more partners to increase capacity and make the fees reasonable.

National and International Artists 

Presenting a “tour ready work” / improv show: 

• 2-3 People 

• Minimal to no freight

• $6,000 average fee for 3-5 public events over 10 days 

• Plus per diem, accommodation, travel.

• We have an ongoing relationship with Air North and try to use them whenever possible and need to book flights ourselves.

• Timelines: 

• Initial contact: 18-24 months or before presentation. 

• Contracting 10-6 months out.

Local Artists

Presenting full show: $6,000 average presentation fee for 3-5 public events over 10 days.

• We will have talked about doing this 36-24 months before the presentation date.

• We may support the producing artist / company in applying for other funding and opportunities to leverage Nakai’s commitment.

Short Works / Poetry

Often Nakai partners with other curators or organizations to curate these events.

• Basic reading / performing fee is around $250 for 1 night.

For writers and creators:

We do not accept unsolicited scripts for production. While we have limited resources, we are eager to support and develop Yukon theatre makers and projects, but rarely do straight productions of scripts. 

Sign up for the mailing list to stay informed.

Individual dramaturgy

I'm (Jacob) open to working conversations with anyone working on theatre or other performance projects. 

Given the my specific background as a dramaturge, the earlier in the in the idea phase, the more helpful I can be. 

Get in touch and we will find some time.