Portail pédagogique - Le tambour et le shofar
Ressources d’éducation accompagnée / Odyssey Showcase en classe
| Nom du document | Type de fichier | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The Drum and the Shofar – Exercice de module vidéo | télécharger |
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The anti-racism production presented by Odyssey Showcase "When the Spirit Moves You," was a truly powerful and unifying experience—one that resonated deeply with every person in the room, from the youngest audience members to the elders who have witnessed generations of social change. From beginning to end, the performance created a rare and beautiful atmosphere where differences were not simply acknowledged, but celebrated with honesty, reverence, and joy.
Through thoughtful storytelling, music, and education, the production illuminated the rich traditions of Indigenous First Nations culture, Jewish culture, and African American culture. Each segment was presented with remarkable respect and authenticity, giving the audience not only insight but a felt understanding of the histories, struggles, and triumphs carried within these communities. Rather than placing cultures side by side, the production artfully revealed the threads that connect them—most notably the shared rhythm that beats at the heart of humanity. Whether expressed through drum, voice, dance, or collective breath, this rhythm became a universal language that reminded us that we are more alike than we are different.
What stood out most was the way the show brought generations together. Children leaned forward with curiosity; adults nodded with recognition and reflection. Laughter, learning, and emotion moved freely across the audience, proving that when education is delivered with openness and sincerity, it becomes a bridge between ages, cultures, and lived experiences.
Productions like this are essential. They demonstrate the profound importance of inclusive and respectful social projects—initiatives that not only teach us about the world, but also teach us how to live in it with empathy. In a time when division can feel overwhelming, this performance offered the opposite: connection, understanding, and hope. I am grateful to have had a part in presenting with the wonderful collection of top caliber artists.
A heartfelt thank you to the Fondation Trillium de l'Ontario and the Government of Ontarioet Présentoire de L'odyssée for providing this opportunity. Your dedication to empowering communities through education and the arts is both meaningful and necessary, and this production stands as a testament to the positive change that thoughtful cultural work can inspire.
Always, Best regards,
Darin Kyle
Performer | Choreographer | Award Winning Tap dancer
Program Manager | Chamomile Adult Services
When the Spirit Moves You is more than a stage production—it's a living heartbeat shared across cultures, generations, and artistic traditions. As a poet in the show, performing The Heart that Stirs and The Gift of Jazz, I experienced this production from both inside the story and outside as a witness. What struck me most was the honesty and spiritual clarity that each performer brought to the stage, none more potent than Deborah Davis’ rendering of Lu Yehi. Watching her deliver that song to an audience of Grade 4–8 students was transformative for me. It was art offered without barrier—personal, culturally rooted, emotionally courageous. I felt I was seeing her in her truth, and the students felt that too.
Across the theatre, I watched young people sit forward, listen deeply, and respond with curiosity and openness. They weren’t just entertained—they were engaged, learning, and expanding. In a time where division often feels louder than harmony, the show demonstrated how Indigenous drumming, Jewish song, African American jazz, spoken word, South African Gumboot dance, tap, and collective storytelling can remind us of our shared humanity. Every artistic gesture in the production emphasized connection: the heartbeat we all carry, the rhythm that builds bridges, the spirit that moves through us when we move toward one another.
The importance of inclusive, respectful cultural work like this cannot be overstated. Young audiences need opportunities to witness—and participate in—art that respects differences while illuminating what binds us. When the Spirit Moves You is exactly this kind of work: healing, celebratory, historically grounded, and spiritually elevating. It models the kind of social projects that create belonging, understanding, and joy in community spaces.
I am grateful to have been part of it, and grateful for the impact it clearly had on the students who experienced it.
Jamaal Amir Akbari
JustJamaal ThePoet, JAAWORD
Poet | Performer | Mentor, Arts Ed.
When The Spirit Moves You was a wonderful display of musical instruments and traditions from a wide range of cultures. The performance was interactive, entertaining, educational, and executed with incredible professionalism from start to finish.
Our students absolutely loved the performers. They were fully engaged throughout the presentation and learned so much about cultures they had never encountered before. This was truly a valuable experience for our school community, enriching both their musical understanding and their global awareness.
We look forward to the company's next production.
Jess Mender
Teacher | Ottawa Modern Jewish School
Ressources antérieures
Odyssey Showcase reconnaît que les terres sur lesquelles nous sommes rassemblés à Ottawa font partie du territoire traditionnel non cédé du peuple algonquin Anishinaabe qui vit sur ces terres depuis des temps immémoriaux.
Odyssey Showcase remercie chaleureusement le soutien de ses partenaires financiers.
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