Upstage - Bears

A GREAT PLACE TO READ ABOUT GREAT THEATRE · JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2019

VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 3

Bears MAT THEW

w itt y, r ive t in g & p o li tical MACKENZIE’S

PRODUCTION STARTS JANUARY 29

Hello!

Welcome to the Belfry and our co-production of Bears.

In Toronto, Bears won the 2018 Dora Awards for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Production, and in Edmonton, the Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards for Outstanding Musical Score and Outstanding Choreography.

This theatre-dance hybrid is quite unlike anything you’ve seen before - part chase story, part identity search, and part ode to Indigenous spirituality. It is political, funny and ingenious.

Bears comes to us from Edmonton’s Alberta Aboriginal Performing Arts and Punctuate!

Theatre, and immediately following the run in Victoria, it returns to Toronto’s Factory Theatre.

B4Play

Jenny Wasko-Paterson and and Gregor Craigie Photo by Don Craig

As always, we look forward to seeing you at the theatre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 11 AM

Belfry Studio Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue Free Event. A live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring is produced four times per year and can be found at branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Belfry

interviews with playwright and director Matthew MacKenzie and special guests.

and online at issuu.com/belfrytheatre. If you would like a

Our podcast of B4Play is available at belfry.bc.ca/podcasts. B4Play is also

digital copy please drop us a line at hello@belfry.bc.ca.

streamed live on Facebook.

Join Us

BELFRY THEATRE

instagram.com/belfrytheatre

vimeo.com/belfrytheatre

facebook.com/belfrytheatre

issuu.com/belfrytheatre

twitter.com/belfrytheatre

Bears is generously supported by

Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE VICTORIA, BC V8T 1G5 WWW.BELFRY.BC.CA

Upstage is supported by

Being in Good Relations

by Christina Gray

Sheldon Elter and Chorus (Shammy Belmore, Karina Cox, Skye Demas, Lara Ebata, Zoë Glassman, Kendra Shorter and Gianna Vacirca) in Bears (by Matthew MacKenzie) / Photo by Alexis McKeown

January 16, 2019 Ama su koł! (Happy New Year! in Sm’algyax) The new year is off to a

Up and down the Coast, Indigenous people have a unique relationship

beautiful start with the birth of a new killer whale calf who was born

with killer whales. Ts’msyen people specifically have a close kinship

to Matia (L-77) of the southern resident killer whale clan. This brings

with killer whales, as their pods’ governance structures are similar to

the current population of southern resident killer whales up to 75.

the Ts’msyen. It has been said that parts of our culture were modelled

Welcome news, as last summer, we saw the death of a newborn calf

after killer whales, such as our matriarchal system of governance, our

belonging to J-35 or Tahlequah. With great sadness I read about

communally-oriented society, and that we are hunters. Another part

Tahlequah and members of her pod carrying the deceased calf

of the Ts’msyen governance structure includes the division of four

in their mouths for 17 days. To me, this implicit act of mourning

main clans, including the La_xsgiik (eagle), G_anhada (raven), Laxgyibuu

was relatable, as I was also grieving the death of my late father. In

(wolf ), and Gisbutwada (killer whale), with subcrests that include the

thinking about Tahlequah’s calf, I was left wondering, could this

grizzly bear (mediik). Clans or crests represent an intricate and integral

death have been prevented? By whom? More importantly, how will

part of our identities. They symbolize our relations to other people

such tragedies be prevented in the future? How can we care for our

who belong to the same clan, and to the being itself. For Ts’msyen, the

relations in the water?

survival of killer whales, or even grizzly bears, is bound by how much

My questions and interest in the killer whale are very much informed by my identity as an Indigenous woman. I am Ts’msyen

we, as humans, are willing to live in wulaaysk with water, fish, nonhuman, and more than human beings.

on my mother’s side from Lax Kw’alaams in Northern British

The southern resident killer whale remains on the endangered species

Columbia. On my father’s side I am Dene and Métis from Łutselk’e

list. The Center for Whale Research predicts that two more southern

in the Northwest Territories. Raised by my mother, Sandra Gray, I

resident killer whales will die by this upcoming summer. Starvation is

have taken up the responsibilities of following Ts’msyen ayaawk

the primary factor in these predicted deaths. Killer whales, like grizzly

(laws). Following Ts’myen ayaawk, it is important to give thanks to

bears, eat salmon and other types of fish, with southern resident

those whose land we inhabit, to say who I am, where I come from,

killer whales thought to feast largely upon Chinook salmon. Since

and who are my direct relations. This is done in order to indicate to

the 1990s, depleted numbers of fish stocks, with last year’s stock at

others whether we are of the same wulaaysk (relations).

3

record low levels, have negatively impacted the lives of the southern

and Indigenous peoples of the land. This is necessary in order to

resident killer whales. As if starvation were not enough, the physical

fully protect and live with all beings in wulaaysk. There may be more

and acoustic disturbances of tanker traffic and vessel noise further

questions than answers regarding how to be in good relations, such

threaten the well-being of these whales.

as, what does it mean to be in wulaaysk, or good relations, to place?

My questions go beyond Canadian laws around tanker traffic in Puget Sound and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ management

How can we be in wulaaysk to the laws of the first peoples of this land?

What are the laws of killer whales? Most importantly, how can we be in wulaaysk to the killer whale, or even to the grizzly bear?

of fish and mammals. To look at life in a relational manner means to consider how each and every act is connected to all other acts. Our perspectives must account for an expansive view of the world that recognizes the laws of all living beings, including killer whales, bears,

Christina Gray is a legal scholar endeavouring upon her Masters in Law at the University of Victoria. She is Ts’msyen, Dene, and Métis. A non-practicing lawyer, she graduated with Juris Doctor and Art History degrees from the University of British Columbia.

Cast & Creatives

Sheldon Elter

Why I Chose This Play

Tracey Nepinak

Shammy Belmore

Karina Cox There are so many reasons why I chose this play.

It presents an important perspective on an issue that is thorny, complex and of importance to all Canadians – especially British Columbians, and especially the Indigenous population.

Skye Demas

Lara Ebata

Zoë Glassman

Kendra Shorter

It manages to be extremely current and specific, while at the same time remarkably abstract, and I love the seamless integration of dance as a part of the storytelling. I am thrilled by the collaboration between playwright/director Matthew MacKenzie and Monica Dottor – a brilliant and witty choreographer, with whom I have had the

Gianna Vacirca

Matthew MacKenzie

Monica Dottor

PLAYWRIGHT / DIRECTOR

CHOREOGRAPHER / COSTUME DESIGN

Noor Dean Phatcat Musani ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION

pleasure of working. I am also excited to bring the amazing Sheldon Elter to the Belfry for the first time.

In the Belfry’s ongoing journey towards a stronger, more impactful and meaningful relationship with the Indigenous community, we have made a commitment that at least once per season we will

T. Erin Gruber

Brianna Kolybaba

Patrick Lundeen

Madi Blondale

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

COSTUME DESIGN

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER

create theatre in collaboration with Indigenous artists. The goal is for our staff and craftspeople to work alongside Indigenous creators and, in the process, enhance our understanding of one another, our cultures, and our ways of making theatre. Bears was not created here, but this acclaimed production is a beautiful and valuable step in this journey.

Erin Voaklander

Trent Crosby

STAGE MANAGER

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Christine Sokaymoh Sheiny Satanove PRODUCER Frederick ARTISTIC PRODUCER

Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

Michael Shamata, Artistic Director

Belfry Librarian LIVE EVENTS

—

Throughout Bears we’ll host a number of events that will deepen your theatre experience or just plain astound you.

The wonderful librarians from the Greater Victoria Public Library have compiled a list of books and videos to help you get even more out of our production of Bears.

B4PLAY SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 11 AM

Free Event · A live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring interviews with playwright and director Matthew MacKenzie and special guests.

TALKBACK THURSDAY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Meet the actors post-performance when they return to the stage to answer questions and provide insight into the play.

AFTERPLAY Facilitated discussions – audience member to audience member – will follow every evening performance of Bears (except Opening Night and Talkback Thursday). These are a great opportunity to share your thoughts and hear fellow patrons’ reactions to the production and the ideas it presents.

VOCALEYE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 2 PM

For patrons with low or no vision, we offer this VocalEye performance during Bears. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details.

FREE CHILDCARE PERFORMANCES SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 2 PM & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AT 4 PM

To help young families experience the Belfry, we offer inexpensive tickets and free childcare (for children aged 3 – 10) on select weekend afternoons.You can sign your children up when you buy individual tickets for Bears. Childcare

Bear: a Novel

By Marian Engel (1976) The Metamorphoses

By Ovid (8 AD) Being a beast : adventures across the species divide

By Charles Foster (2016) The answer is still no : voices of pipeline resistance Editor Paul Bowles (2014) Costly Fix: Power, Politics, and Nature in the Tar Sands

By Ian T. Urquhart (2018) Committing Theatre: Theatre Radicalism and Political Intervention in Canada

By Alan D. Filewood (2011) An Anthology of Canadian Native Literature in English Editor Daniel David Moses (2013)

Strength and struggle : perspectives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada

By Pamela Rose Toulouse, Rachel A. Mishenene (2011) The Monkey Wrench Gang

By Edward Abbey (1975) The Sasquatch at home : traditional protocols & modern storytelling

By Eden Robinson (2011) Raven tales.

Howl at the moon [DVD] Directed by Caleb Hystad (2017) Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing : a Play

By Tomson Highway (1989) Medicine Shows: Indigenous Performance Culture

By Yvette Nolan (2015) We have a copy of Medicine Shows in the Belfry’s Atrium Library

space must be reserved in advance, at least 1 week prior to your chosen performance. To learn more, please email us at hello@belfry.bc.ca, or call the box office at 250-385-6815 to reserve your tickets and free childcare.

Compiled by to Adam Reese, Greater Victoria Public Library

5

slower pace, mild climate, urban walkability, and thriving artistic community. The Browns are keen gardeners, and tend a nourishing permaculture garden in Fairfield.

Not a naturally extroverted person, Stephen had his share of public speaking as a Senior Lecturer in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University (retired 2018). He graced the stage only once, in Grade 4 as a mouse in The Nutcracker — in a grey velveteen full-body suit his mother sewed, complete with whiskers, stuffed tail, and zipper up the belly.

A published poet and essayist, Michelle loves performing. Her hilarious piece Get Back in the Car was well received at The Flame at the Belfry and in Vancouver. Her voice is heard regularly at Planet Earth Poetry on Friday nights. Michelle co-facilitates a dialogue series on Reconciliation and Relationship at the Centre for Studies in

SPOTLIGHT ON SUPPORTERS

Michelle and Stephen Brown What do you get when you cross a scientist with a poet? Meet Michelle and Stephen Brown. An unlikely couple in many ways, they share a love of live theatre and commitment to local creative culture.

These Belfry supporters connected 12 years ago at yoga class, when Michelle was commuting weekly between her Vancouver job as a Federal Treaty Negotiator and her two teenage daughters in Victoria.

Although Stephen had only been to Victoria once during the decades

Religion and Society at University of Victoria, where she also serves on the Advisory Council.

Stephen especially likes musicals (Onegin by Veda Hille & Amiel Gladstone was a particular favourite), but the show that hooked him on the Belfry was Seanna McKenna’s remarkable solo performance in Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking. For Michelle, Joel Bernbaum’s Home is a Beautiful Word was the work that called them to move from subscribers to financial supporters.

The Browns support the Belfry because of the quality and range of vibrant, socially relevant theatre it brings to the city — and the consistent reports from both artists and staff that the Belfry “is the best theatre in Canada to work in.”

he lived in Vancouver, he was an instant convert to island living: the For information on the many ways to contribute to the Belfry, please contact Susan Stevenson 250-385-6835 ext. 229 or Michelle and Stephen ready to attend the Belfry’s 40th Anniversary Gala celebration in 2016.

Kristy Charlie

development@belfry.bc.ca

Meet Kristy Charlie, the Belfry’s

supportive, safe, and valuable space

Indigenous Cultural Advisor.

for Indigenous artists and participants

Kristy was born and raised on the Tseycum First Nation on the W_SÁNEĆ territory. She has worked in many roles with youth in her community, as well as with the Saanich School District.

Exchange Program. Kristy is looking forward to strengthening existing relationships and exchanges with our local First Nations on behalf of the

Kristy also appreciates giving her time

Belfry Theatre. She has already gained

to the BC Elders’ Gathering each year,

new friendships in her new role, and

as a chaperone and caretaker. Kristy

is honoured to work directly with her

is enthusiastic about her role at the

people and local communities to build

Belfry Theatre and is honoured to share

a stronger Indigenous presence at the

her cultural knowledge with the staff.

Belfry and in the Arts community.

At the Belfry she assists in ensuring a Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

of the Belfry’s Indigenous Learning

Calendar Bears PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

January 29—February 24, 2019 Tuesdays – Thursdays at 7:30 pm

Fluevog Valentine’s Fundraiser

Thursday, February 14 at 6:30 pm

Wednesday Matinees at 1 pm (February 6, 13, 20) Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm Saturday Matinees at 4 pm Sunday Matinees at 2 pm Free Childcare Performances Sunday, February 10 at 2pm Saturday, February 23 at 4pm Audience Engagement Schedule B4PLAY · Saturday, January 26 at 11 am TALKBACK THURSDAY · February 7 AFTERPLAY · Following all

evening performances* VOCALEYE · Described performance

Sunday, February 17 at 2 pm * Except Opening Night and Talkback Thursday

This Valentine’s Day, we’re hosting an exclusive Belfry Theatre shopping night at Fluevog Shoes (566 Johnson Street). That evening, if you purchase a pair of shoes, 50% of your sale will go to the Belfry.

To encourage you to linger amongst the beautiful

How to buy tickets By telephone 250 385 6815

Please have your credit card ready, as well as the date and time of the performance you wish to attend.

Online

shoes, we’ll have a host of activities including wine tastings, door prizes and some nibblies too.

This is a free event but if you (and a friend or group of friends) would like to attend, please drop us a line at development@belfry.bc.ca so that we have enough goodies on hand.

Visit belfry.bc.ca/tickets and buy your tickets online, anytime.

In person

Drop by our Box Office.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit card, cheques, and, of course, cash.

7

Up Next

10 T H ANNIVERSARY

March 8 – 24, 2019

F E AT U R I N G

M AM A’ S BOY GO O D MOR N I N G, VIET MO M SOUND OF THE BEAST O LD STO C K: A R EFUGEE LOVE STO RY PATHETIC FALLACY B ELFRY 10 1 LI V E + DOZENS OF FREE EVENTS

belfry.bc.ca/2019-spark-festival Tickets 250-385-6815

BEARS SPONSOR

PUBLIC FUNDERS

Belfry Theatre 1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE VICTORIA, BC

V8T 1G5

SEASON SPONSORS