Though Win and his Grams are growing weary of life in a temporary camp, they never tire of each others' jokes. In a world of floods and fires, they are family, and Win will get his Grams to her lucky spot at bingo through hell and highwater.
Here is our mini Q&A!
Q: Why did you write about this topic?
A: Indigenous peoples are being displaced on their lands all over the world due to capitalist/imperialist values.
Q: How does climate change affect your community?
A: In every way, since first contact.
Q: What inspires your writing?
A: My mom. My family. My ancestors. Their stories.
Q: Who would you like to listen to your episode?
A: All the ancestors who worked to protect the land.
Q: If you were a sound effect, what would you sound like?
A: Strangely quiet.
Downstage Theatre is a company founded in Mohkínsstsisi/Calgary, Canada in 2004. We'll let them introduce themselves in their own words:
'Our mandate is to produce theatre that creates meaningful conversation around current issues and encourages societal awareness and action. Our mission is to engage artists and the public in theatrical experiences that go beyond intellectual understanding and ignite a heartfelt need for change.'
Soulpepper is Canada's leading artist-driven theatre company and is based in Tkatonro/Toronto. We'll let them introduce themselves in their own words:
'We believe that stories can connect us, that they are vital to our understanding, compassion and knowledge, and that they can motivate us toward social change.'
Sunny's inventive and award-winning theatre works have been presented in over 60 cities across the world and translated into 4 languages. His wide range of audiences have spanned international arts festivals goers, queers in underground warehouses, seniors in regional theatres and young people in drop-in centres.
Our Impact Producer, Chaprece Henry, unpacks the climate themes
in this episode in our Discussion Guide
Written by TARA BEAGAN
Directed by PATRICK BEAGAN
Starring:
DUSTIN FRANK as Win
TRACEY NEPINAK as Mums
MICHELLE THRUSH as Michelle
Sound design and music composition by MADDIE BAUTISTA
Episode Produced by DOWNSTAGE THEATRE with support from SUNNY DRAKE PRODUCTIONS
Recording engineer and Dialogue Editor BRIAN BERGUM
Artistic Director for Downstage CLARE PREUSS
Managing Director for Downstage and Episode Producer DANIELLE WHYTE
Associate Producer for Downstage BIANCA MIRANDA
Community Programs Director for Downstage ELSHA YEYESUSWORK
Production Manager and Technical Director for Downstage ADAM KOSTIUK
Special thanks to Lacey Hill for the use of her song “Love Wins,” and to Downstage’s funders: Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Calgary Arts Development and the Rozsa Foundation.
In the spirit of reconciliation, the Downstage team acknowledges that they live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina, and the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations including the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley Nations. This is also home to the Métis Nation (Region number 3), and all people who make their homes in Moh’kinsstis and the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Find the transcript here.
While resilience is important, holding the entities responsible for climate change is crucial. Help the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) obtain justice for ongoing leak of toxic tailings due destructive mining of lands. Sign this letter asking the federal and provincial government to hold industry accountable!
