Atlantic Ballet- Pisuwin

Based on a Wolastoq legend, Pisuwin is about a hero’s journey to return the spirit of water, which Paul said is both a “metaphysical thing and a very real person on the stage.” The ballet isn’t a direct retelling of any one tale, but rather combines several elements, themes and philosophy from Wolastoqiyik culture.

“Possesom Paul and Igor Dobrovolskiy on co-directing a first-of-its-kind ballet” CBC
This year, we are especially excited to present PISUWIN—a striking multidisciplinary collaboration between Atlantic Ballet Canada and renowned Wolastoqiyik musician Jeremy Dutcher. This contemporary dance work is choreographed and directed by Igor Dobrovolskiy, Artistic Director of Atlantic Ballet Canada, and co-directed by Possesom Paul, a champion grass dancer and visionary multidisciplinary artist whose initiative sparked the project’s development. Together, they invited Jeremy Dutcher to compose the original score, resulting in a powerful performance that seamlessly blends dance, music, and Indigenous storytelling into a moving and culturally resonant experience.