Pitching at the PuSh Industry Series

Boca del Lupo is looking forward to pitching our incredible projects in development, Behind the Smile and Me & … as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival’s Industry Series.

Behind the Smile is a collaboration between Boca del Lupo and Goblin Party, exploring the paradox of mascots—symbols of joy masking hidden struggles, particularly with unexpected aggression from children. Drawing on mascot tropes from parks and stadiums, it combines Goblin Party’s contemporary dance with Boca del Lupo’s visual storytelling. Led by Sherry J Yoon, a Korean Canadian and Boca del Lupo’s Co-Artistic Director, the piece reflects on societal misunderstandings and challenges faced by those concealing their true selves. Yoon finds joy in merging humour with revelation, and is thrilled to bring this heartfelt work to both her Canadian and Korean communities.

Me & … is a groundbreaking immersive performance that explores the potential for human-animal communication, inspired by new AI-driven insights into animal languages, starting with whales. Developed by ArtStageSAN and Boca del Lupo, the trilogy includes large-scale puppets and site-specific installations in natural settings, featuring the Water, Forest, and Sky. Each performance will be guided by these puppets, with live sound and innovative technology. Led by Co-Artistic Director Jay Dodge, the work contemplates the profound implications of interspecies communication, suggesting that achieving this might force humanity to reconsider its position as the planet’s sole sentient species.

The Industry Series runs parallel to PuSh’s performance festival, and includes the pitch session, panel discussions, artist walks, and more.

Boca del Lupo will be included in a suite of companies given a chance to share details of their work, with the hope of future performance opportunities. We are so excited to connect with the incredible artists, presenters, and producers who will be a part of this Industry Series.

Registration for the 2025 Industry Series will open November 21, 2024.