about the show

when is my body authentic ? is an interdisciplinary fashion runway investigating ways in which identity is performed, constructed, and perceived through scenographic tools such as costume, gesture, and stage design. The project explores how appearance and movement shape public perception, and interrogates how performance design can either reveal and/or subvert this process.Rooted in the blended notions of both queer and crip theory, the project aims to challenge how performers carry a relationship between themselves, the body, inner and outer identity, and the living archive of their communities. Both authenticity and performance were explored using a devised rehearsal process, attempting to determine how scenographic interventions can affect the ways in which bodies are framed, staged, and made visible to others.For purposes of documentation this event may be photographed, audio recorded, and/or filmed. By attending this event, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction.100% of this production was written and devised without the use of artificial intelligence. Walton has a strict No-AI policy in the creation of all projects.At Simon Fraser University, we live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples.whenismybodyauthentic.com
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directors notes

I first envisioned the beginnings of this show several years ago, when I attended an exploratory fashion show at the 15th Prague Quadrennial; in which performers appeared nude, dragging large bags of garbage. We watched as they sifted through the waste of fast fashion, Halloween costumes, and designer clothing. What stuck with me the most were the gestural behaviours associated with each garment. Three performers easily transformed into hundreds as they shifted into different mind-bodies in each outfit. After, I left asking; As I dress each morning, who do I become? How do each of us tell our personal story through costume, movement, language, and bodily existence?This piece presented itself with all of the highs and the lows associated with theatre creation, which ensured there was never a boring day in the studio. The hard work, dedication, hours of laughter, hardship, and bonding with my amazing team of creatives made each piece of this process more than worth it. While I planted the roots of the work, it was truly shaped by those I had the privilege of making it with day and night.This show will forever hold a truly authentic place in my body, existing as a living archive in my gestural memory.

Jaeden Walton is a performing arts designer and academic scenographer based in Vancouver, originally from the land of the Syilx Okanagan peoples (Kelowna, BC). Drawing heavy inspiration for their work in questioning the nature of how things operate, and how they can mould that into something new, Jaeden strives to lure the spectator into a piece that seems ‘normal’ at first, to then expose them to something more radical and abstracted. Rooted in Canadian scenographic traditions, their work also spans international contexts, with design credits in the Czech Republic and New York City.jaedenwalton.com
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credits

scenographer Jaeden Waltonstage manager Miranda Collard
design assistant Amelia Chong
cutter / stitcher Shael O'Brienmodel one Rowan O'Callaghan
model two Sophie O'Brien
model three Raha Pakdel
model four Indah Del Bianco
model five Sara van Gaalengraduate supervisor Erika Latta
supervisory committee Wladimiro A. Woyno Rodrigueztechnical director Miranda Collard
lighting designer Amelia Chong
lighting crew Tina Shi, Indah Del Bianco, Sophie O'Brien
sound composition Indah Del Bianco
sound support Sophie O'Brien
scenic carpenter Miranda Collard
costume builders Aidan Pau, Kento Kobayashi, Huxley Collard, Indah Del Bianco, Sophie O'Brien, Rue Larson, Justin Walton, Neela Walton, Spencer McCairns, Oskar Bridges, Charles Beesley-Hammard, Mhari Rhiverson
sca production manager Emily Nuemann
asl translations Tamara Soltys Lee
french pronunciation assistance Devon Brooks
spanish pronunciation assistance Avery Johnstone
japanese pronunciation assistance Makiko Nakahara
portuguese pronunciation assistance Julia Heinzen
promotional photographers Jordann Bradshaw, Carlo Marchet
graphic designer Miranda Collard
promotional content Indah Del Bianco, Rowan O'Callaghan, Miranda Collard
strike team Miranda Collard, Amelia Chong, Tina Shi, Justin Waltonthank you Erika Latta, Wladimiro A. Woyno Rodriguez, Justine A. Chambers, Jordann Bradshaw, Spencer McCairns, Emily Neumann, Mom and Dad, Neela, Ginny and Poppy, and Daisy.

cast & crew

stage manager / technical director
Miranda CollardMiranda is delighted to be part of this amazing team!

design assistant / lighting designer
Amelia ChongAmelia Chong is a Production & Design major going into her third-year. She has always felt a gravitational pull towards everything creative and artistic, whether it be theatre, street dance, or miniature models. Pursuing production and design was the natural culmination of her love for art as well as logical problem solving. She’s excited to be a part of Jaeden’s design team for WIMBA!

cutter / stitcher
Shael O'BrienShael O’Brien is a recent graduate of UVIC, with a BFA in Theatre Design Focus, and she is a current student of the Costuming for Stage and Screen Diploma at Capilano University. Having been friends with Jaeden, The Designer, at UVIC, Shael is very excited to be able to collaborate with them for their Thesis. She is looking forward to exploring costume and clothing through this show.

model one the celebrity
Rowan O'CallaghanRowan O’Callaghan is an actor, singer and songwriter located in Vancouver BC. Her love for performance started at a very young age and has had the opportunity to work on various sets, stages and productions. Rowan is beginning her third year as a Theatre & Performance major at Simon Fraser University’s, School for the Contemporary Arts, where she continues to grow her artistic practice.

model two the paparazzi
Sophie O'BrienSophie O’Brien is an emerging professional performer, with diverse training in dance, voice, theatre, technical design, and music. As a third-year theatre and performance major, Sophie hopes to further expand her interdisciplinary artistry and connections, and plans on pursuing a career in musical theatre, dance, and technical theatre while living in New York after graduation. She is so honoured to have participated in this wonderful process with such exceptional collaborators, and hopes you enjoy the show!

model three the lonely lover
Raha PakdelRaha is an Iranian artist studying at SFU theatre and performance. She aims to experience and experiment a diverse range of forms and disciplines.

model four the cosmic
Indah Del BiancoIndah Del Bianco (she/her) is a Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist and performer, currently nurturing her passion with SFU's Theatre and Performance program. From devised stage productions to environmentally curious sound excavation, Indah has built her practice around immersion, introspection, and care. Through her work, she continually questions the intersections of live and digital, science and the spiritual, discomfort and kindness.

model five the mother
Sara van GaalenSara van Gaalen (they/she) is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus on performance making and managing. When making work they are particularly interested in bodies, duration, and subversiveness.

notes on accessibility

General Content Advisories (reduced during the accessible performance): Strobe and flashing lights, loud sounds, depictions of sexual violence, depictions of assault, substance use, and nudity.This performance is not suitable for children under 16.This performance is approximately 60 to 70 minutes in length with no intermission. Late comers will not be admitted.The door will remain open during the relaxed performance for those who may need to come in and out.Step by Step Content Advisories (timestamps are rough estimates):
!! POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD !!
00:00 | Partial nudity, strobe and flashing lights, loud sounds.
00:10 | Strobe and flashing lights.
00:17 | Sudden screams, sudden and persistent loud sounds, strobe and flashing lights.
00:23 | Acts of undressing, loud sounds.
00:27 | Nudity.
00:30 | Loud sounds.
00:36 | Audience participation, sudden loud sounds, sudden bright flashing lights, persistent harsh lighting.
00:43 | Intense strobe and flashing lights, loud sounds.
00:50 | Crying, depictions of self self deprication.
00:55 | Depictions of sexual violence, depictions of assault, strobe and flashing lights, loud sounds.
01:00 | Nudity, substance use, loud sounds.
01:05 | Sudden screams, depictions of child birth, substance use, sudden and persistent loud sounds, strobe and flashing lights.Feel free to ask an usher regarding accessibility before the show begins, they would be happy to connect you with the stage manager or director for more details.