A Tale of TAILS

Times Contributor  

 

The Calgary Stampede is celebrating its Centennial year with a free unique multi arts performance, combining theatre, animal acumen, performance, and music and video- technical innovation. 

The performance is called TAILS, a play on the homonym ‘Tale’ a word that means a recital of events or happenings; a report or revelation – this event encompasses that definition. 

The story is told from the viewpoint of three mustang ponies about how they bring opportunity and prosperity to the paths of people they cross. This leads them to the formation of the first Calgary Stampede. With the theme this year ‘ THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST, 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING”, the production interlaces Aboriginal myth and spiritual beliefs with the interaction of horse and rider. The horses play a big part in the support and development of Southern Alberta towns and cities. The production pays a phenomenal tribute to the ancestral roots that reach into many of our family trees and is the best ever shown at the Stampede.  It will leave a positive lasting image for visitors about Alberta.  Most would not have seen anything like it and it shouldn’t be missed. 

 The production intentionally used local talent when casting the roles and one of the main narrators is Tom Jackson, who is recognized for his work in Canadian movies and television.

The Artistic Director Michael Barnard, who has done many Disney productions worked closely with Dan Finley the producer, a veteran with the Calgary Stampede.

“Spirits are in all living creatures,” says Michael Barnard, director, TAILS in a Stampede press release, “ but none as powerful as that of the  O’TAS – the horse. When the markedly different spirits connect, a true and lasting friendship forms because they make up for each other’s differences.”

Tickets are given out by the steps to the Corral arena prior to performances. The production runs four times daily.