As part of our collaborative programming with the Firehall Arts Centre, the Powell Street Festival Society is proud to share Enemy Lines, a powerful dance-theatre work by choreographer Mayumi Lashbrook.

Running May 6–9, 2026, Enemy Lines reflects on the forced uprooting of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War—a history deeply connected to the communities and stories at the heart of Powell Street Festival. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, over 22,000 Japanese Canadians were displaced from the coast of British Columbia, an injustice that continues to shape generations.

Through movement, memory, and contemporary performance, Lashbrook’s work traces the emotional and political impact of this history while asking urgent questions about belonging, fear, and collective responsibility. Performed by a dynamic ensemble, the piece offers both a reflection on the fractures of the past and a vision for a more connected future.

This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting and amplifying Japanese Canadian artists and stories across Vancouver’s cultural landscape. We invite our community to experience this moving work and continue the conversation.

Tickets can be purchased here