For three wild weeks in January, downtown Calgary transforms into a playground of artistic innovation, daring performances, and cultural celebration.
The High Performance Rodeo, One Yellow Rabbit’s internationally renowned festival of live art, is more than an event — it’s an experience that defies expectations, pushes boundaries, and leaves audiences buzzing long after the curtains close.
“The nature of the work is creation performance, meaning it’s often the performers themselves who create and conceive the work,” says Oliver Armstrong, producer of the High Performance Rodeo. “These shows tend to be a little bit more wild, a little bit more experimental.”
The High Performance Rodeo returns for its 39th year from January 14 to February 2, 2025. This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of performances, including theatre, music, dance, and interdisciplinary art, featuring both local and international artists.
From the darkly comedic Day Player Machine, which delves into the world of background actors, to the healing rock opera Mother Nature, complete with lusty dinosaurs and glittering distractions, the festival always promises a wild ride. Audiences can expect bold explorations of identity and resilience in shows like I Don’t Even Miss You, a queer dystopian pop solo performance, and the exhilarating celebration of queer femme joy at Hot Dyke Party.
Longtime Rodeo favourites, including Denise Clarke’s Salon and the inventive Ten Minute Play Festival, will also return.
“The thing that ties them all together is the very high level of virtuosic work that they bring,” says Armstrong. “Some of the artists we present were born and raised here and continue to work within the Calgary sphere. Others went off to other parts of the world, became prestigious artists elsewhere, and then we bring them back. What unites them is that every single one delivers extraordinary artistry that captivates and connects with audiences.”
This dedication to showcasing exceptional talent has defined the High Performance Rodeo since its founding in 1987 by Michael Green, co-artistic director of One Yellow Rabbit. What began as a platform for bold, boundary-pushing performances has grown into a celebrated festival where local and global artists converge, creating work that transcends traditional theatre.
Over the years, the Rodeo has hosted unforgettable performances, from immersive site-specific productions to international collaborations, continually evolving while staying true to its mission of inspiring and connecting audiences while offering a uniquely Calgary experience that celebrates the city’s creativity and resilience.
Ghost River Theatre is just one of the local arts organizations taking part in the Rodeo.
“The High Performance Rodeo has always been a great champion of artistic experiences that offer a unique perspective on the world that is different, that helps to be a catalyst for discussion, change and an invitation to experience the arts in Calgary at its very best in the very most, coldest and darkest time in our calendar,” says Eric Rose, artistic director of Ghost River Theatre. “We’re setting up a communal bonfire together, which we can all gather around and tell our stories and have an incredible artistic experience.”
This year’s Rodeo will also introduce new collaborations and experiences. One standout partnership is with Contemporary Calgary. The festival will use the gallery’s unique theatre space for the first time, providing a fresh setting for audiences, while showcasing the gallery’s offerings.
The Rodeo will also feature a grand closing night party on Saturday, February 1, held in Central Court at the Arts Commons. Attendees can enjoy a couple of shows before joining the festivities, which will include special performances, food, and drinks.
“We wanted to create a space where everyone — audiences, performers, and organizers — can come together to reflect on the incredible work we’ve shared and end the festival on a high note,” Armstrong says.
Looking ahead, the festival is preparing for a transformative chapter. “We will have some challenges in terms of adaptation in the next few years, involving the Arts Commons Transformation Project, which is going to add some venues to our Arts Commons world but also probably remove some that we’re used to,” Armstrong says.
This evolution isn’t just about adapting to new spaces. It’s also about honouring the festival’s rich history and the legacy of its founders, Blake Brooker and Denise Clarke, who have been at the helm of One Yellow Rabbit for over 40 years.
“How we proceed in the next five or 10 years is something we’re really excited to explore,” Armstrong says. “We have some exciting messages to share in the spring about how our company will transform to meet current challenges while staying true to the artistic foundation laid by our founders.”