Our Work

ᓇᑦᑎᐅᑉ ᐱᓯᙵ//Oran an Roin is Artcirq’s newest creation. Set around Naujaruluk, an area near Igloolik, it follows the story of a selkie, a seal woman from Scottish folklore, who has lost her seal skin and become disconnected from who she is. For Maya, selkie stories have always made her feel at home, and this connection to seals and the ocean both in her Scottish heritage and living in Igloolik has been welcoming and grounding. Incorporating elements of the casts’ shared Scottish history that coexist alongside their own traditions, this is a show about seals, the spirit world, transformation, and our connection to the land and to each other. It is a journey of slipping our skins back on and reconnecting with who we are.

Inuit founding myths are the inspiration for Unikkaaqtuat, a cross-cultural blending of theatre, circus arts, music, and video.

The actors, musicians, and acrobats of Unikkaaqtuat perform in a world of shadows and video projections, transporting us to an ancient realm where life did not known death, days had not seen nights.

Set to highlight the talent of Inuit artists on a national and international platform, and foster a unique environment for cross-cultural collaboration to flourish within and beyond the project.

The show is designed to travel the world, as well as on a smaller scale to reach northern communities.

Shaped by a culturally diversified cast of 11 performers, musicians, and similarly distinct designers and technicians, the show combines storytelling, acrobatics, music, and video in a ground-breaking 90 minute performance.

The video content of Unikkaaqtuat will be created by Inuit illustrator Germaine Arnaktauyok and directed by Neil Christopher. Their vast repertoire and knowledge of work centering on Inuit myths guides the core of this project in harmony and respect of Inuit oral traditions.

Artcirq’s creation Asiu (Lost) is inspired by the traditional Inuit legend Amaqup Nunaat (The Land of Wolves) and was premiered in 2014 at the Alianait Arts Festival in Iqaluit.

Oatiaroi, meaning ‘Wait a minute’ in Inuktitut is a 2007 adaptation of Oraya for touring purposes. The show includes a deeper exploration of shadow play, research in animal physicality and symbolism, and video integration. It is with this show that Artcirq established its reputation throughout Nunavut, Canada and internationally.

Oaraya was created in 2005, when Guillaume Saladin moved to Igloolik on a permanent basis. Oraya, meaning ‘I can’t wait’ in Inuktitut is a show blending traditional Inuit games and contemporary circus techniques including the first ever Inuit contortionist and 3-man high figure. The show was premiered by an Inuit-only cast in 2006 at the Baffin Regional Youth Committee.

Kaugjagjuk is Artcirq’s first major production, created in 2004. The story is based on the legend of a young orphan boy who is cared for by the moon and returns to avenge his past with the help of his guiding bear spirits. The show was originally performed in Igloolik for the summer solstice with the participation of more than 20 children and youth from the community.