New theatre production looks at reconciliation with a First Nations perspective

May 10, 2018
SC
ByShawn Conner
2 min read

Vancouver Moving Theatre presents the premiere of a new play that looks at the struggles of First Nations people in Canada.

Led and performed by indigenous artists, Weaving Reconciliation: Our Way runs May 17-19 and 24-26 at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Chief Simon Baker Room (1607 East Hastings St.).

Read more below.

Weaving Reconciliation: Our Way tells the story Old One and his journey to reconcile with himself, his family and his community. According to the media release, “Old One’s dream-like healing journey unfolds as he opens himself to his memories: of the impact of residential school on his family, the effect of intergenerational trauma on his daughter Nicole (Tai Amy Grauman), the decline of the fishing industry and the resulting loss of a working life on the water.”

The theatre piece incorporates humour, games, songs and gifts of hope from Trickster and his Ancestors, as well as “unscripted cultural sharing by youth and cultural knowledge-keepers.” There will also be weaving demonstrations with EartHand Gleaners Society.

“Weaving Reconciliation: Our Way is about our hopes for a good future, guided by the principles of our cultural past,” director/lead writer Renae Morriseau says.

Morriseau (Saulteaux Cree) has co-written the piece with Rosemary Georgeson (Coast Salish/Sahtu Dene) and Savannah Walling (American Canadian). The cast features Indigenous actors, elders and poets from Vancouver/Downtown Eastside, Toronto and Winnipeg.

Sam Bob plays Trickster in Weaving Reconciliation: Our Way. David Cooper photo.

Weaving Reconciliation: Our Way

When: May 17-19 and 24-26 (post-show talking circles, Saturday matinees)
Where: Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Chief Simon Baker Room, 1607 East Hastings Street
Tickets: sliding scale $2 – $25 at the door
More info: 604-628-5672

theatre production
First Nations
reconciliation
Vancouver Moving Theatre
indigenous artists
Weaving Reconciliation: Our Way
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre