For Holly Treddenick, based in Ontario, Canada, ‘In the Fire’ is the opportunity to capture stories from her father’s experience as a Firefighter, with his input. The performance intends to share an understanding of firefighting with a wider audience – to appreciate and understand the work they offer – but also pay tribute to the influence Treddenick’s father has had in her life.

Through the creation of set pieces, aerial dance, inventive apparatuses, a choir, and projection, In the Fire captures, re-interprets and shares important stories from Treddenick’s father, who is also the last living founder of the Winnipeg Firefighter Museum. During the 60 minute performance, all are invited into a reflective space to witness the evolution of a father/daughter relationship, to stir a sense of hopefulness in their own lives, and “light the fire”.

In the Fire was first embodied by Treddenick in 2018 as part of the Catalyst Program through CAFT, and has grown and developed in its storytelling and innovative use of aerial arts to become the show it is today. 

It has been generously supported by the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Theatre Gargantua, MICC Commissioning Group at THOH and Peak Performances at Montclair State University. 

While some dark moments of the show may not be suitable for younger audiences, In the Fire invites community members, families (teenage children and up), and any person who has an intersection with rescue workers or with fire to share a welcoming, accessible, transformative space and hear the stories of Treddenick’s Father to celebrate his life – and the lives of all seniors and the stories and lessons they hold – while they are still here.

In The Fire acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Department of Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council.