With an electrifying voice and lyrics like silver arrowheads, Basia Bulat has become one of Canada's most conspicuous talents. Juno-nominated and shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, she often appears solo in gigantic halls, winning over crowds with an autoharp or charango, stomping feet, and two mighty lungs.
Her massive talent has also been recognized at scale: her songs have been adapted for major performances with symphony orchestras, and she’s been tapped for prestigious tributes to Leonard Cohen and The Band. Since releasing her debut in 2007, she has shared a stage with artists including Arcade Fire, The National, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Daniel Lanois, St Vincent, Sufjan Stevens, Destroyer and Andrew Bird.
Bulat was born in Toronto and grew up listening to her mother’s piano students, Sam Cooke, and Stax on the oldies station. In early 2016 she released, ‘Good Advice’, produced by Jim James of My Morning Jacket.
“Graceful and incandescent, confident but approachable, her alto voice is the aural equivalent of the perfect party host who makes every guest not only welcome, but certain they’re the most important person in the room.”- Pitchfork
Sometimes referred to as sensory-friendly experiences, Relaxed Performances give the opportunity for those with various sensitivities towards sensory stimuli to experience and enjoy live theatre.
These performances will be designed in a way to be more comfortable for audience members who may experience anxiety or are not comfortable with some aspects of a traditional theatre setting. This can include people on the Autism Spectrum and their families; those with sensory and communicative disorders or learning disabilities; people with Tourette’s syndrome; someone who might need to move often due to chronic pain or to use the facilities; or even parents with toddlers.
Relaxed Performances offered during the 2021 Charlottetown Festival:
