News, Special Events, Visiting productions
Reconciliation Theatre and Langham Court Theatre presents “The Berlin Blues” June 29 – July 2
Drew Hayden Taylor’s knee-slapping comedy takes a hilarious look at life on-reserve when a German corporation comes to build a multi-million dollar indigenous-themed amusement park in previously sleepy Otter Lake. A scheme that promises the fictional Anishinaabe community financial self-sufficiency brings as many questions as it does opportunities to the residents of a rural reserve turned tourist attraction. One of Turtle Island’s most prolific playwrights, Drew Hayden Taylor delivers comedy on a theme of economic development and cultural appropriation, and exposes Canadian audiences to “rez humour” from a distinctly indigenous perspective.
Following an engagement to share the script and our work with the First Nations Health Authority’s provincial wellness conference last fall, the board of R.T.S. decided to bring the production to local indigenous nations. “We have indigenous talent telling indigenous stories written by indigenous playwrights. The obvious next step was to perform for indigenous audiences,” explained Artistic Director Tom Rokeby. “Initially we rehearsed a low-tech, yet fully staged, production of The Berlin Blues to make it work from band halls to recreation centers and health units.” The tour kicked off to a packed hall on the Qualicum First Nation, before making stops in Quwutsun (Duncan) and finally Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo), where Reconciliation Theatre Society makes their home.
Reconciliation Theatre Society is very grateful for the response to our first Island tour, and look forward to meeting Victoria audiences at Langham Court Theatre over the Canada Day weekend. “I am excited to think that we are building relations with people from Qualicum to Victoria that are eager to hear indigenous stories told by indigenous talent. This is just the beginning,” offered Society president and cast member Dan Puglas.
Tickets: Regular $25, Senior $23, Student $18.
Ticket price for Saturday July 1 – tickets are Pay-What-You-Wish (Minimum $5).
