Cover Photo by Marcia Provenzano
POEMS FROM ASHAS REE
Poems from Ashas Ree is a series of fanfiction poems inspired by Star Wars, especially the animated series Star Wars Resistance; and, most especially, an episode titled “The Relic Raiders” (season 2, episode 7). It introduced me to the planet of Ashas Ree, and the outpost and temples that feature in my poems - which are meant to be written more than 30 years before the episode takes place.
The characters are my own, but the majority of concepts and names that I use are the exclusive property of Lucasfilm Ltd. As such, I will never receive monetary gain for this project. I just really love Star Wars and wanted to work on something for the pure fun of it. The project is ongoing, so I'll continue creating new rhymes that reveal more about the characters and world.
If you're interested in checking it out, click HERE!
The characters are my own, but the majority of concepts and names that I use are the exclusive property of Lucasfilm Ltd. As such, I will never receive monetary gain for this project. I just really love Star Wars and wanted to work on something for the pure fun of it. The project is ongoing, so I'll continue creating new rhymes that reveal more about the characters and world.
If you're interested in checking it out, click HERE!
LOVEbirds IN MEXICO
November 25, 2022
Join Ryan J. Bradshaw for his honeymoon in Mexico! We'll be relaxing in the Maya Riviera and exploring the busy streets of Mexico City through a presentation that combines travel photos with personal stories and poetry.
A DAY IN LOCHMABEN
January 24, 2020
A presentation of photography, poetry, history, and personal stories, all relating to the idyllic small town of Lochmaben, Scotland.
AUTUMN IN SHERWOOD PARK
October 18/21, 2019
Join local performer Ryan J. Bradshaw for a celebration of autumn through poetry, photography, puppetry, and more. He will also be revisiting his 2018 writing retreat in Sherwood Park, Alberta, to talk about poetry, writer's block, and finding inspiration.
Autumn in Sherwood Park also features a short video by Michael Diakuw, inspired by one of Ryan's poems. That video can be viewed here. Produced by Ryan Bradshaw |
PIPING PLOVER POETRY
January 4/5, 2019
An evening of spoken word, photos, and puppetry, all inspired by the endangered Piping Plover!
January 5th is National Bird Day, originally created to educate people about threatened bird species. I thought it would be the perfect occasion to share my new poetry about the endangered Piping Plover. It's a very relaxed kind of event that aims to be both entertaining and informative. You will of course learn a few things about Piping Plovers along the way, and I'll also be talking a bit about my process as a poet throughout the show. For two of the pieces, I am joined by my good friend and mentor, the always incredible Michael Diakuw. The show also features two short video clips. Special thanks to Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Conch Salad TV, and Migration Productions.
50% of ticket sales for Piping Plover Poetry were donated to Saskatoon's Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, a total of $515 !
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw
Event photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
January 5th is National Bird Day, originally created to educate people about threatened bird species. I thought it would be the perfect occasion to share my new poetry about the endangered Piping Plover. It's a very relaxed kind of event that aims to be both entertaining and informative. You will of course learn a few things about Piping Plovers along the way, and I'll also be talking a bit about my process as a poet throughout the show. For two of the pieces, I am joined by my good friend and mentor, the always incredible Michael Diakuw. The show also features two short video clips. Special thanks to Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Conch Salad TV, and Migration Productions.
50% of ticket sales for Piping Plover Poetry were donated to Saskatoon's Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, a total of $515 !
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw
Event photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
MEET US IN ST. LOUIS
November 24/25, 2017
With my partner Andy and I getting married on March 24th, 2018, I decided to turn my 2017 poetry show into a fundraiser for our wedding. The theme: our escapades together in St. Louis, Missouri. Like Poetryland, the show combines poetry with travel stories and photos. The majority of the writing is my original work, but also includes some of my favourite poems by the St. Louis greats: Maya Angelou, T.S. Eliot, Eugene Field, and Sara Teasdale.
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw
POETRYLAND
September 16/17, 2016
Poetryland is a show about my adventures in Western Massachusetts, an area known for its poets, and somewhere I went with the intention of working on my own poetry. It is the 7th show I've produced, but it is different than my other shows in many ways. There is, of course, still lots of poetry. In this case, the poems are written not only by myself, but also by well-known writers from the area. And it is also a travel presentation, so there is storytelling and tons of photos I snapped on my trip, and it is all very informal/relaxed. I really just wanted to share my experience of a beautiful and interesting area you probably haven't visited, perform some poems, and have some fun with it.
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw. |
LOVEbirds (a poetry show about love... and birds)
January 29/30, 2016
LOVEbirds is an independent stage production written and performed by Ryan Bradshaw, a Saskatoon-based spoken word artist and birder. Using a blend of poetry, puppetry and costuming, Ryan explores ideas of love and relationships through the experience of various characters. Since birding is Ryan’s favourite hobby, our feathered friends are woven into every segment of the show.
LOVEbirds also features the talents of storyteller Michael Diakuw, musician James Diakuw, storyteller Danica Lorer, poet Laura McNaughton, and filmmaker Andrei Feheregyhazi!
The outcome: the audiences were awesome, the show was very well received, and we raised $565 for Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation!
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw.
Poster design by Andrew Schaan, Behind the Paper Design.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
LOVEbirds also features the talents of storyteller Michael Diakuw, musician James Diakuw, storyteller Danica Lorer, poet Laura McNaughton, and filmmaker Andrei Feheregyhazi!
The outcome: the audiences were awesome, the show was very well received, and we raised $565 for Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation!
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw.
Poster design by Andrew Schaan, Behind the Paper Design.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
NATURE NURTURED
April 22, 2015
Nature Nurtured was a variety show fundraiser for Saskatoon's Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation. The show's focus was human connections with nature, featuring local poets, storytellers, musicians and dancers! Our talented contributors included Isaac Bond, Ryan Bradshaw, Brent Chappell, Michael Diakuw, Free Flow Dance Theatre Company, Chris Lindgren, Danica Lorer, Laura McNaughton, Stephen Rutherford, Colin Schaan, John Stewart, Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation and the Saskatoon Zoo Society.
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation provides a safe place for injured and orphaned wild animals to grow and mend until they can return to their natural habitat while encouraging public tolerance and understanding of wildlife. For more information about Living Sky, please visit their website here.
This fundraiser was sponsored by the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon.
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw and Laura McNaughton.
Poster design by Andrew Schaan, Behind the Paper Design.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation provides a safe place for injured and orphaned wild animals to grow and mend until they can return to their natural habitat while encouraging public tolerance and understanding of wildlife. For more information about Living Sky, please visit their website here.
This fundraiser was sponsored by the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon.
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw and Laura McNaughton.
Poster design by Andrew Schaan, Behind the Paper Design.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
COMING OUT (of my mouth)
June 17, 2014
A 19+ stage show featuring the gay and lesbian poetry stylings of Ryan Bradshaw and J.D.
WARNING: Portions of this show contain coarse language, strong sexual content and striptease!!! Viewer discretion is advised!!!
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
WARNING: Portions of this show contain coarse language, strong sexual content and striptease!!! Viewer discretion is advised!!!
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
THE UGLY DUCKLINGS
April 10/11, 2014
The Ugly Ducklings was a multi-disciplinary stage show with a focus on poetry and the spoken word. We addressed the themes of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale through the eyes and experiences of multiple performers who each have an Ugly Duckling story of their own.
The show featured live performances by Ryan Bradshaw, Michael Diakuw, Kayleigh LaFontaine, Jackie Latendresse, Danica Lorer, Laura McNaughton, Shanda Stefanson, Larissa Tarasoff and Puffy Von Pop-n-Fresh, and video poems by Isaac Bond, Megan Lane and Stephen Rutherford!
Poster design by Andrew Schaan, Behind the Paper Design.
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
The show featured live performances by Ryan Bradshaw, Michael Diakuw, Kayleigh LaFontaine, Jackie Latendresse, Danica Lorer, Laura McNaughton, Shanda Stefanson, Larissa Tarasoff and Puffy Von Pop-n-Fresh, and video poems by Isaac Bond, Megan Lane and Stephen Rutherford!
Poster design by Andrew Schaan, Behind the Paper Design.
Produced by Ryan Bradshaw.
Photos by Ken Greenhorn.
THE NATURE OF RHYME: A PHOTO-POETRY EXHIBIT
March/April, 2014
The Nature of Rhyme is a nature-inspired exhibit combining my photography and poetry.
In 2011, I spent 3 months at artist residencies in Iceland with the intention of writing a novella. However, Iceland's landscape inspired me in unexpected ways and I ended up spending most of my time snapping photos and writing poetry. One of my favourite Icelandic projects is called "The Extraordinary Rock", a children's story combining 28 photographs with a whimsical rhyme. You will see this poem and many others on display, some old and some new, with photographs taken mainly in Iceland and around Saskatchewan.
The exhibit was on display at the Meewasin Valley Centre. The opening took place on Sunday, March 2nd, and featured a live poetry-meets-dance performance with Ryan Bradshaw and Free Flow Dance (pictured below).
In 2011, I spent 3 months at artist residencies in Iceland with the intention of writing a novella. However, Iceland's landscape inspired me in unexpected ways and I ended up spending most of my time snapping photos and writing poetry. One of my favourite Icelandic projects is called "The Extraordinary Rock", a children's story combining 28 photographs with a whimsical rhyme. You will see this poem and many others on display, some old and some new, with photographs taken mainly in Iceland and around Saskatchewan.
The exhibit was on display at the Meewasin Valley Centre. The opening took place on Sunday, March 2nd, and featured a live poetry-meets-dance performance with Ryan Bradshaw and Free Flow Dance (pictured below).
WINGS & TALES: THE POETRY OF SUPERNATURAL BEINGS
April 26/27, 2013
In 2011, I spent three months at writing residencies in Iceland, an experience that I credit for the creation of this show. The country is not only inhabited by humans, but also by the Huldufólk (hidden folk), including elves, ghosts and other magical peoples. My first month was spent in Siglufjörður, a village located in the Tröllaskagi mountains, home of an alleged troll. Many residents of Iceland would tell you that the existence of such beings may not be probable, but it's not impossible either, an attitude I can appreciate. And when I hiked the mountain trails overlooking the village, it was not difficult for me to believe that a troll might, just maybe, dwell there.
I think I wanted to believe. As a child, I believed in so many seemingly impossible beings, such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. And my Catholic upbringing taught me to believe in angels, the devil and God. Then one day I was told that the Tooth Fairy is, in fact, a lie, but angels are still definitely real. It's very confusing, and eventually I stopped truly believing in the supernatural altogether (besides ghosts and aliens, obviously).
Wings & Tales, like Iceland, has given me permission to revisit my childhood beliefs, and I hope you can do the same. As I introduce you to my array of supernatural characters, just remember: the existence of such beings may not be probable, but it's not impossible either.
Photos by Marcia Provenzano.
I think I wanted to believe. As a child, I believed in so many seemingly impossible beings, such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. And my Catholic upbringing taught me to believe in angels, the devil and God. Then one day I was told that the Tooth Fairy is, in fact, a lie, but angels are still definitely real. It's very confusing, and eventually I stopped truly believing in the supernatural altogether (besides ghosts and aliens, obviously).
Wings & Tales, like Iceland, has given me permission to revisit my childhood beliefs, and I hope you can do the same. As I introduce you to my array of supernatural characters, just remember: the existence of such beings may not be probable, but it's not impossible either.
Photos by Marcia Provenzano.
THIRTEEN ROSES (13 ACTS ABOUT LOVE AND GETTING LUCKY)
April 13/14, 2012
When I initially decided to undertake an independent stage production, I asked my friend Nicola for some theme ideas. Her immediate suggestion was to do a show about love, and I obviously agreed. Love, after all, seems to be my favourite subject to write about.
I started focusing on love verses in 2006 when I established Corby.Cards, a series of greeting cards that showcase my romantic poetry on their covers. In 2010, I joined the Rosebud Burlesque Club as Conrad Fusion, a stage personality who combined my passion for writing with the art of striptease. As a performance poet, I again found myself writing about love, but my writing style had evolved to suit my character. Like my greeting cards, I approached the topic with tenderness and charm, but also with humour and sexuality.
In Thirteen Roses, I have blended the sweetness of Corby.Cards with the spice of Conrad Fusion, and then sprinkled it with something bitter. Though most of the acts I present in this show will portray love as a precious rose, you can expect to feel the prick of a few thorns as well. The writing has been inspired by my own past experiences with love, and by personal observations, ideals and fears, but I’m confident you will also recognize yourself in my words.
Photos by Marcia Provenzano.
I started focusing on love verses in 2006 when I established Corby.Cards, a series of greeting cards that showcase my romantic poetry on their covers. In 2010, I joined the Rosebud Burlesque Club as Conrad Fusion, a stage personality who combined my passion for writing with the art of striptease. As a performance poet, I again found myself writing about love, but my writing style had evolved to suit my character. Like my greeting cards, I approached the topic with tenderness and charm, but also with humour and sexuality.
In Thirteen Roses, I have blended the sweetness of Corby.Cards with the spice of Conrad Fusion, and then sprinkled it with something bitter. Though most of the acts I present in this show will portray love as a precious rose, you can expect to feel the prick of a few thorns as well. The writing has been inspired by my own past experiences with love, and by personal observations, ideals and fears, but I’m confident you will also recognize yourself in my words.
Photos by Marcia Provenzano.
TONIGHT IT'S POETRY FEATURE
July 28, 2013
In July of 2013, I had the honour of featuring at Tonight it's Poetry, Saskatoon's weekly poetry night. Photos by Brent Chappell.