Barry Bilinsky

Barry Bilinsky (he/him) is a multidisciplinary Indigenous artist originating from Amiskwaciywaskahikan - Edmonton, Alberta. Primarily focused on the support, proliferation, and creation of Indigenous stories, he has worked in clown, theatre, film and animation. Often overlapping, these art forms explore the various interactions story have with the audience, be it interactive through clown, communal through theatre and immersive experience, or deeply intimate as with film. Studying Drama and English at the University of Alberta, Barry found that simplicity and honesty are the most vital components of his work. 

Collaborative, cultural exchange is a major focus for Barry, who is of Métis, Cree, and Ukrainian descent. In 2015, Barry lead the conceptual development while co-writing/directing Shumka’s Ancestors and Elders, a dance piece combining traditional and contemporary dance with physical theatre to express the complex relationship between Ukrainian settlers in the West with the original inhabitants of the territory (Nehiyaw). He was co-creator of Fool Spectrum Theatre, a company mixing stage and roving performance, and led the Rubaboo festival for several years directing “fusion” experiences that combined traditional music and dance with live fine art performance.

Other immersive theatre credits include: Assistant Director for Catch the Keys Dead Centre of Town IX, Woven Waters at Edmonton’s Found Theatre Festival, and The Lobbyists interactive dance and clown pieces at Expanse Festival. Barry’s largest immersive project to date is as the Creative Director of Content and Media for the world renowned “Indigenous Peoples’ Experience” immersive attraction in Edmonton, Alberta. This piece required nuance and awareness of several shifts in perspective when dealing with the complicated and erased history of Indigenous People in Canada as well as the practicalities of movement through a large exhibit. 

Recently settled in Montreal, Quebec, Barry refined his storytelling skills as Indigenous Artist in Residence at the National Theatre School of Canada. He hopes to continue collaborating with excellent visual, technical, and diverse artists and hone his ability to blend the immediacy of theatre with the profundity of film.

Kinanâskomitin