“Momentum of Isolation may be his [Shay Kuebler’s] most moving and fiercely funky work to date.”

- Stir Magazine

VERNON, BC — Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) proudly presents Momentum of Isolation, part of the 2023-24 SPOTLIGHT Dance Series on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM.

With this newest production from Shay Kuebler / Radical System Art, Momentum of Isolation explores digital addiction and the impact of social isolation and loneliness resulting from our digital lives, using interactive video and sound to shape a digital world on stage, exploring how technology empowers and disempowers us. Through solo acts and ensemble pieces, puppeteering and stagecraft, the inanimate world is brought to life.

Inspired by the UK's Minister of Loneliness in 2018, artistic director Shay Kuebler and his seven dancers deliver an engrossing, lively performance reminding audiences of our fundamental need for human connection. The renowned choreographer weaves together contemporary dance, hip-hop and martial arts with his signature athleticism and playfulness, well-known to Vernon audiences.

VDPAC’s Artistic Director, Erin Kennedy shares, “Shay Kuebler’s work is riveting to watch. This new performance is very playful and funny. It reminds us of the lessons learned during the covid shutdown, to slow down, take the time to connect with family and friends, and smell the flowers.”

Kuebler has been making waves on the Vancouver scene for the past 15 years with his physical and inventive dance supported by rigorous technique. Starting his artistic journey at age 5 with dramatic arts and Shito-Ryu Karate, Kuebler later expanded into dance genres like Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Ballet. He has performed in Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance, Circus Arts, Film and Theatre for various companies in Canada, the US and the UK. Additionally, he has choreographed and directed pieces for The American Dance Festival, CitieBallet, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, and more. He has produced six dance works, touring nationally and internationally. He has received prestigious awards, including the Holy Body Tattoo emerging artist award in 2010 and The Mayor’s Arts Award for emerging dance artist in 2014 from the City of Vancouver.

“Since our last BC tour in early 2020, it feels like a gift to be returning to Vernon - a home-away-from-home for Radical System Art (RSA),” says Kuebler. “RSA was founded in 2014 and our first activity as a company was a tour to Vernon in April 2014 with our first work Karoshi. Over the past 10 years, we've been fortunate to share 4 shows with Vernon and its audiences. We now return with an important and relevant work.”

“Momentum of Isolation is a significant performance that speaks about the increasingly prominent issues of isolation and loneliness. It does so through a creative and carefully balanced mix of satire, athletic dance, theatre and technology. We believe that seeing this show live, on-stage, offers a thought-provoking, engaging and impactful experience for everyone. The performing arts can truly only be experienced live, so we hope to see you this March 16, 2024, for the Okanagan Valley premiere of Momentum of Isolation,” quotes Shay Kuebler, artistic director, Radical System Art.”

In addition to this performance, Kuebler will conduct a workshop exploring movement methodologies, including martial arts and urban dance forms, offering participants the chance to explore their own movement practice. To register, visit ticketseller.ca

Don't miss this unique and thought-provoking performance that speaks to the challenges of the present times. For tickets and more information, visit ticketseller.ca or call 250-549-SHOW (7469).

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre presents Momentum of Isolation on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM. The show runs for 80 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets are $40 for Adults, $37 for Seniors, $35 for Students and $30 first two rows (all ages).

For tickets, please visit or call VDPAC’s Ticket Seller box office at 250-549-SHOW (7469).

For preview video highlights online, please visit www.vdpac.ca.

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Ticket Link: https://www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/event/momentum-of-isolation

Video: www.vimeo.com/648713026

About Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society is a non-profit, charitable organization devoted to fostering artists, their work, and live performance in all genres and for all ages. The Society operates the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) on behalf of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and with the support of over 35 staff and 185 volunteers. Each year, we present our SPOTLIGHT Season of 30-35 diverse performances, complemented by over 125 concerts, festivals, and special events. We select professional touring productions to entertain, enlighten, move and amuse our audiences. Altogether, they offer patrons of all ages a world of unforgettable live theatre experiences. Please visit: https://vdpac.ca/ & https://ticketseller.ca/

Facebook: @vdpac
Instagram: @vernonperformingarts

For more information, media can contact:

Raj Jain, Marketing & Community Engagement

250-542-9335

[email protected]