Mycélium

Le Cours du Mycélium (Mycélium for short) is a solo work developed by Voices Dance Project Founder Jasmine van Schouwen, exploring the complex notions of home, safety and environmental turmoil in Rouyn-Noranda, Québec.

Mycélium was developed in response to 2022 reports that the Quebec government had granted exemptions from environmental regulations to 89 companies, including the Horne copper Foundry in Rouyn-Noranda. This facility was authorized to continue to emit arsenic levels over 33 times the provincial health limit, forcing the evacuation of residents of the town’s Notre-Dame neighbourhood.

Mycélium was inspired by news stories, family debates, as well as music, literature and poetry exploring the troubled relationship locals have with the foundry. The four minute piece, set to music from local band Saratoga, was accompanied by projections of home videos filmed in Abitibi-Témiscamingue between the 60s and 90s - the very same kind that might be left behind in a hurried evacuation, or thrown away during a move.

First presented at the 2023 edition of the Festival de la relève indépendante musicale en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (FRIMAT), Mycélium is in the process of being expanded to incorporate elements of spoken word and as well as a wider range of archival elements. 

Read More

• CBC News: "Quebec has agreements to let dozens of companies pollute above legal levels"

• CBC News : "Cancer from arsenic exposure in Rouyn-Noranda 'unacceptable' risk: Quebec public health director"

• The Globe and Mail: "Arsenic in the air, fear and anger on the ground"

• Le Journal de Montréal: "Guhn Twei censuré : critiquer la fonderie Horne, ça ne passe pas!"