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In an era where the boundaries between truth and fiction increasingly blur, a thought-provoking dance performance addressing misinformation will tour North Island communities next month.
“Source Amnesia,” created by acclaimed choreographer Joshua Beamish, offers a timely exploration of fake news, memory distortion, and the struggle to discern truth in today’s complex information landscape. The 70-minute production features five accomplished dancers—Ariana Barr, Emma Galvin, Tristan Ghostkeeper, Justin Rapaport, and Calder—who physically interpret these critical contemporary themes.
The performance comes at a particularly relevant moment as societies worldwide grapple with information manipulation across social media platforms and news outlets. Beamish’s work examines how people process, remember, and sometimes misattribute information sources—a psychological phenomenon known as “source amnesia” that has profound implications in our digital age.
Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY, the creative force behind the production, has built a reputation for developing innovative dance works that engage with pressing social issues. Under Beamish’s artistic direction, the company creates original productions while also collaborating with both emerging and established guest choreographers.
Beyond performances, the organization maintains a commitment to public engagement through educational outreach initiatives, youth programs, and mentorship opportunities for developing choreographers. Their work regularly tours nationally and internationally, bringing contemporary dance to diverse audiences.
The North Island tour is presented by BC Movement Arts Society, founded by Mary-Louise Albert and Michael Margolick. The society has been instrumental in bringing contemporary dance to Vancouver Island communities through its North Island Contemporary Dance Series, which showcases Canadian and international dance artists.
For the 2025/2026 season, the series continues to expand its reach with a diverse lineup of acclaimed performers and multi-week dance creation residencies, making contemporary dance more accessible to communities outside major urban centers.
“We believe in the power of dance to address complex social issues in ways that transcend verbal communication,” said a representative from BC Movement Arts Society. “Beamish’s work on misinformation feels especially relevant as communities everywhere navigate an increasingly complicated information landscape.”
The regional tour begins at Sointula FO Hall on March 11 at 7:45 p.m., followed by performances at Courtenay’s Regier Theatre (formerly the Old Church Theatre) on March 13, and Campbell River’s Tidemark Theatre on March 15, both scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The timing of this production coincides with growing public concern about misinformation and its effects on social cohesion, political discourse, and public trust in institutions. Recent studies have shown that exposure to misinformation can significantly alter memory formation and decision-making, themes that Beamish explores through movement and choreography.
Contemporary dance has increasingly become a medium for artists to engage with societal issues, offering perspectives that complement more traditional forms of discourse. “Source Amnesia” continues this tradition by using the human body as a vessel to communicate complex ideas about truth, perception, and memory.
Dance critics have noted Beamish’s skill in translating abstract concepts into physical movement that resonates emotionally with audiences. His previous works have been praised for their technical precision and intellectual depth, establishing him as an important voice in Canadian contemporary dance.
Tickets for all performances are available through BC Movement Arts Society’s website. The organization encourages attendees to participate in post-performance discussions, which will explore the themes of misinformation and memory in greater depth.
More information about “Source Amnesia” and ticket sales can be found at bcmovementarts.com/projects/source-amnesia.
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10 Comments
The concept of ‘source amnesia’ is a fascinating psychological phenomenon with major real-world implications in the digital age. Curious to see how this dance work unpacks those ideas through physical interpretation.
Agreed, the blurring of truth and fiction is a profoundly unsettling trend. This production sounds like an innovative way to shine a light on these issues.
This dance performance on misinformation seems like an important and timely artistic intervention. The themes of fake news, memory distortion, and the struggle to find truth are so relevant today. Excited to see how the choreography brings these ideas to life.
Misinformation is such a critical challenge facing society today. I’m glad to see this dance performance taking it on in a creative, accessible way. Looking forward to hearing more about the audience reaction and impact.
In an age of rampant fake news, I’m glad to see artists drawing attention to the psychological underpinnings of how we consume and remember information. A dance performance on this topic could be a powerful way to engage the public.
Intriguing that they’re using the concept of ‘source amnesia’ as a lens. Curious to see how the choreography and movement interpret these ideas around memory and attribution.
Fascinating exploration of misinformation and how our minds process information. Dance seems like an innovative medium to tackle these complex modern issues. I’m curious to learn more about the psychological phenomenon of ‘source amnesia’ and its real-world implications.
Agreed, this production sounds thought-provoking. I appreciate the artists tackling these timely challenges with creative expression.
Impressed to see this dance company tackling such a timely and critical social issue. Misinformation and the erosion of truth are huge challenges, so I’m glad to see the arts community stepping up to address them.
It’s encouraging to see the arts community responding to the widespread issue of misinformation. A dance production exploring these themes could be an impactful way to reach new audiences and spark important conversations.