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2026 Festival Performers

Jia Jia Yong and Mark Henderson

The Harp That Stopped the World

Jia Jia Yong, an Edmonton-based harpist and composer, weaves Chinese
traditional art forms into multidisciplinary performances; in 2022, she became one of few in North America to play the modern konghou.


Mark Henderson has acted, directed, and produced theatre for 30+ years, reciting poetry to the harp—only his second time doing so.

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The Qala Troupe

​Bharat–Kekayi Samwaad (And its Untold History)

The Qala Troupe is Alberta's first Hindi-language theatre group, founded by Varun Katyal (Yeg-Vala-Kalakaar). Based in Edmonton, we preserve and promote Hindi theatre through original productions,
mythological adaptations, and community workshops — building bridges
between cultures.

Our vision: make Hindi theatre accessible and inclusive, celebrating storytelling as a tool for cultural exchange and connection.

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Usha Kala Niketan

Rhythm of Ages

Usha Gupta began dancing at age four in Jalandhar, India, and is now a highly celebrated ambassador of cultural diversity in Edmonton and across Canada, renowned for her work in Indian classical dance. She has empowered students to perform internationally and win gold medals at major competitions across North America.

 

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Kalaakaar Society

Friday - Rang Aur Sur

Sunday - Echoes of India

Kalaakaar aims to foster cultural connections, break boundaries, and
celebrate different types of artists through the organization of concerts, master classes, and conferences dedicated to Indian music and healing therapies, while also advancing research in these areas.

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Cuban Movements

The Energy of Yemaya

Leo Gonzalez (Edmonton/Cuba) trained professionally in Havana,
mastering Afro-Cuban, Afro-Haitian, ballet, and contemporary dance. He
founded Cuban Movements Dance Academy in 2013, creating The Power of
the Drum and Ay Candela! In 2024, he co-founded Cuban Movements
Non-profit to preserve Cuban dance's African roots and connect with
African diaspora traditions.

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Elder Coyote Terry Aleck and Christine Turenne

Opening in a Good Way: Songs and Prayer with Elder Coyote Terry Aleck and Christine Turenne

Terry Aleck (Lytton First Nation) is a sacred pipe carrier and addictions counselor; he has led ceremonial healing since 1987,
drumming circles, sweat lodges, and Residential School recovery work.


Christine Turenne, born in Sechelt, brings 35+ years facilitating 12-Step programs, co-leading drum-making workshops and ceremonies with her partner, Terry Aleck.

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Lillian Davidson

French Opera Arias: Je Suis Titania (Thomas), Fire Aria (Ravel)

Lillian Davidson is an Edmonton-based coloratura soprano performing opera, art song, and musical theatre. She earned her BMus from the University of Alberta in 2024 and is pursuing her master's at UBC, having performed the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. She's also won numerous awards and competitions.

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Enakshi Sinha

Yashoda's Ramayan

Enakshi, a leading Odissi dancer based in Toronto, trained under Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Guru Sharmila Biswas. Her 19-year career spans major festivals across India, Europe, and North America, including a performance for Indian PM Modi. She founded Mrudanga Centre for Performing Arts and organizes the annual UMANG Dance Festival.

Enakshi Sinha

Jeevanshi Sharma

If Kali Walked Among Us

Jeevanshi Sharma is a performer, storyteller, and interdisciplinary artist working across theatre, spoken word, and shadow work. With over four years of experience, she explores Wisdom Literature and Hindi
Literature through devised and solo performance, bridging mythology
with lived experience. She designs travel retreats integrating art, somatic practices, and healing.

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