ADB — on the nature of

"on the nature of…" is an interdisciplinary performance and installation piece that explores the intricate relationship between memory, nostalgia, past selves, and the act of letting go of once-imagined futures. This interdisciplinary work intertwines movement, projection, and sound to create an immersive experience that invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys through time.

Three performers serve as “memory caretakers” who navigate the intimate act of holding memories. They investigate how memories evolve alongside changes in our lives, exploring how memory lives in our bodies, symbolic objects, places, sounds, and images. Through planned interactions, the performers invite audiences to make inter- and intrapersonal connections through the exploration and sharing of memories.

Credits

Amber Downie-Back

Creator & Performer: installation, movement, video

Angus Steele-Gaffney

Creator & Performer: installation, sound, video

Emily van der Waals

Creator & Performer: installation, movement

Dramaturg: Scout Heckel
Lighting Design: Kiera Shaw
Costume Design: Sarah Mercer
Special thanks to: Natasha Poon Woo, Tiffany Tjosvold

Photos: Dayna Szyndrowski

Presentation History

Premiere (90 minutes)

Presented March 28 + 29, 2025
Dance Victoria Studios (2750 Quadra St. #111)
Co-Presented with Dance Victoria & Impulse Theatre

The production of this project was made possible by BC Arts Council, Impulse Theatre, and Dance Victoria, with special thanks to Flux Media Gallery.

Presenter Acknowledgements
Presented with the support of the Victoria Foundation, CRD Arts & Culture Support Service, and Province of BC. Dance Victoria acknowledgments the support of the BC Arts Council.

About Dance Victoria & Impulse Theatre
Dance Vict oria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from its studios in Quadra Village. As a non-profit charitable society, Dance Victoria operates with the mission to promote the appreciation of dance by developing and presenting diverse local, Canadian, and international artists, and by engaging the community in the celebration of dance.

Impulse Theatre creates and presents contemporary interdisciplinary theatre and dance performance. They are the producers of Peek Fest and Peek Show, as well have created over 20 new works of performance.

Photos: Dayna Szyndrowski

Message from the Co-Presenters

Dance Victoria’s Executive Director Gillian Jones shares: “We are proud to support Amber Downie-Back and on the nature of… through its early creation phases to today, when the piece enters its final stage: performance! This co-presentation, made possible in collaboration with Impulse Theatre, represents a full-circle moment. It’s also a reminder of the “village” of supporters, organizations, and funding needed for dance artists to create new work.”

From Impulse Theatre’s Artistic Producer Andrew Barrett: “We are thrilled to present the first production of on the nature of… by Amber Downie-Back in partnership with Dance Victoria. Amber is a cherished member of the Impulse community and a participant in our 2022 Dance Incubator program, and we are proud to see this project come to life. This performance marks a milestone as Impulse’s first presentation of a work by a participant from one of our residency programs. I join Gillian in expressing gratitude—this co-presentation shows what can be achieved when we say yes and trust artists and organizations in our community.”

Development History

(2022-2025)

The creation of this project was made possible with support from Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, Dance Victoria’s Chrystal Dance Prize and Artist-In-Residence Program, Impulse Theatre’s Dance Incubator, UCalgary Artist-In-Residence Program, EnhanceDance, with special thanks to Scott & Anne.

Thank you to the team, audience, friends and families member who shared their own memories and contributed to this world - you are woven into the fabric of this work.

Message from the Co-Presenters

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