An Indigenous Theatre Conference

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An Indigenous Theatre Conference

ᐯ ᑭᔪᑲᑫ ᐁᑿ ᐊᐨᐃᒨᐢᑕᐦᐏᓇᐦᐣ Pe kiyokake ekwa achimoostahwinahn - An Indigenous Theatre Conference March 31 - April 8, 2021 FREE

By University of Saskatchewan Drama Department

Location

Online

About this event

Harnessing the liminality of pandemic life we have the opportunity to look back and reflect on past movements and practices, and to look forward and describe the road that lay ahead of the Indigenous theatre community. This conference serves as a digital gathering place for Indigenous theatre-makers, scholars, practitioners, and intellectual-kin to exchange knowledges, stories, techniques, and other gifts. 

Jo-ann Archibald’s “Indigenous holism” begins with the self at the center and moves concentrically through the larger and larger networks of family, community, and nation[1]. In this way our attentions are drawn to our responsibility to each of these spheres and encourage conference participants, organizers, and viewers consider the responsibility that comes from the circle, from reciprocity, and from relationality. Archibald uses holism as one of the seven pillars of her storywork methodology, extending the notion beyond the self to consider the greater community’s wellbeing, each aspect progressively to including larger relational circles. It is with this framework in mind that we invite you to hold the circle with us. Come join us as we hold the circle and look back, and look forward. 

 [1] Archibald, Indigenous Storywork.

About our Keynote Speaker - Elder Maria Campbell

Writer, playwright, filmmaker, and teacher, Maria Campbell is best known for her 1973 bestselling memoir, Halfbreed, which was re-published in 2019. Maria has published seven other books, the most recent is Keetsahnak: Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters, co-edited with Kim Anderson and Christi Belcourt. She is currently finishing her eighth book.

Maria is also the Artistic Director of The Crossing Theatre Company, which, due to COVID, live-streamed her latest children’s play, Elder Brother, directed by Yvette Nolan in October 2020. Her last play, a workshop production, has been put on hold until further notice - again, due to COVID.

Maria taught Indigenous Literature, Creative Writing, and Metis History at the University of Saskatchewan for 15 years, retiring in 2012. She has received numerous awards including seven Honorary Doctorates, an Inspire Award, and a Gabriel Dumont Order of Merit. She was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004 and received a Trudeau Fellowship at the University of Ottawa in 2013.

She is the Indigenous Cultural Advisor at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, where she teaches a class on Indigenous Legal Orders. She is also the Cultural Advisor at Athabasca University in Edmonton, Alberta.

Maria is a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Schedule of Events

Keynote address from Maria Campbell: March 31st, 6PM

Talkback following presentation of Gordon Winter: April 1st, Approx. 9:30PM

Featuring Playwright Kenneth T. Williams (University of Alberta), Director Deneh'Cho Thompson (Universtiy of Saskatchewan), and Actor Chris Krug-Iron

Panel - Indigenous Theatre Education: April 3rd, 12:30PM

Featuring Deneh'Cho Thompson (University of Saskatchewan), Carol Greyeyes, Carlos Rivera (University of Ottawa), and David MacMurray Smith

Panel - Indigenous Dramaturgies: April 3rd, 3PM

Featuring Dr. Lindsay Lachance (NAC), Reneltta Arluk (Banff Centre), and Ken Williams (University of Alberta), Dr. Spy Dénommé-Welch (Western U)

Online Social Event - Games and Hangs: April 5th, 6PM

Come play some online games with your peers, or just hang out and socialize with some friends. Welcome to all.

Panel - Artistic Sovereignty: April 6th, 3:30PM

Featuring Desmond Hassing (San Diego State University), Joshua Languedoc (University of Alberta), and Kirsten Lindquist (University of Alberta)

Panel - Programming During a Pandemic: April 7th, 3:30PM

Featuring Jenn Bishop (GTNT), Margo Kane (Full Circle), Lisa Ravensburgen, and Bruce Naokwegijig and Brian Fox (Debajehmujig Theatre Group)

Shadows among the Prairies by Jenn Bishop Play reading: April 8th, 6PM

A reading of a local play in development featuring a mix of student and professional artists.

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