Identity and belonging are especially poignant issues in a place like Toronto, as large portions of the population struggle to re-make their lives after immigration, while those already here are in a continual state of the kind of re-adjustment that immigration necessitates.
Though his work is often in French and even more often difficult, Robert Lepage is one of the nation’s foremost artists, dealing with simple issues in complex ways, and offering new insights into complex ones.
All of which makes his LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium talk, taking place this year at the Isabel Bader Theatre at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18, the sort of thing you don’t want to miss. He’s calling it “An artist’s view on identity and belonging.”
“Robert Lepage will explore why and how we navigate our inherent need to belong and the desire to define one’s identity — singular and collective — in a country with mixing cultures,” says Jess Duerden, spokesperson for the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, which puts on the annual symposium. “He’ll dissect identity and belonging, through the artist’s lens, referencing his work filled with people who are stateless, moving between countries or belonging to several civilizations.”
The ICC was founded in 2000 by John Ralston Saul.
“The Institute for Canadian Citizenship is a national, non-profit charity that helps accelerate new citizens’ integration into Canadian life through original programs, collaborations and unique volunteer opportunities,” Duerden says. “While our programs are for new citizens, encouraging them to take their rightful place in Canada, our messages of inclusion, belonging and active citizenship are for all Canadians. We want all citizens — new or not — to embrace active citizenship in their daily life.”
The symposium will be hosted by Saul and his wife and co-chair, former Governor General the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson.
The talk will be followed by a roundtable discussion of the issues it raises.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Jess Duerden