Indigenous storytelling at the NAC this week: World premiere concert, youth song project, art and reconciliation exhibition and panel discussion
OTTAWA – This week the National Arts Centre (NAC) invites the media to attend two days of Indigenous storytelling with fascinating performances, discussion and exhibition about the painful legacy of the residential school system in Canada. A highlight will be the world premiere of I Lost My Talk, composed by John Estacio and performed in Southam Hall by the NAC Orchestra under the direction of NAC Music Director Alexander Shelley. This immersive, multidisciplinary work – based on the poem by the late Mi'kmaw elder and poet Rita Joe – was commissioned for the NAC Orchestra to commemorate the 75th birthday of The Right Hon. Joe Clark by his family, and features an extraordinary film produced by Barbara Willis Sweete.
Other highlights from Wednesday and Thursday’s events include:
School children from two Indigenous communities will present their take on Rita Joe’s famous poem, which conveys her experience at the Schubenacadie Residential School in Nova Scotia.
The opening of the Legacy of Hope Foundation’s exhibition 100 Years of Loss, which raises awareness about the legacy of residential schools.
A timely panel discussion on art in the context of reconciliation moderated by Dr. Marie Wilson, Commissioner, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and featuring panelists Rachael Maza, acclaimed Australian theatre director of Jack Charles V The Crown, Joseph Boyden, author of the award-winning novels Three Day Road and The Orenda, and composer John Estacio. The panel discussion will be introduced by the Right Honourable Joe Clark. The event will be live streamed at nac-cna.ca/live. Guests to attend the event include Their Excellencies David Johnston the Governor General of Canada and his wife Sharon Johnston, Mrs. Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, and National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations.
The English Theatre presentation Jack Charles V The Crown, an autobiographical presentation from an Australian living legend, whose experience as a stolen child echoes the plight of Canada’s own Indigenous people.
Media are invited to attend all events below:
REHEARSAL: NAC ORCHESTRA PERFORMS I LOST MY TALK
WHAT: The National Arts Centre Orchestra and Music Director Alexander Shelley rehearse I Lost My Talk, composed by John Estacio, with a film produced by Barbara Willis Sweete with Creative Producer and Director Donna Feore.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 (12:30-3:00 p.m.)
WHERE: Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, Ottawa
WHO: Interviews with Alexander Shelley, Music Director, NAC Orchestra (12:30-1:30 p.m.)
Interviews with Rita Joe family (1:30-2:00 p.m.)
Film rehearsal in Southam Hall (2:00-2:30 p.m.)
Interview the Right Hon. Joe Clark (2:30-3:00 p.m.)
NOTE: Pool footage of rehearsal and still photography will be provided. Please pre-book interviews with NAC Communications staff listed below. Some restricted access to Southam Hall during the rehearsal will apply.
CONTACTS: Andrea Ruttan, Communications Officer for the NAC Orchestra (613) 947-7000, ext 335 and Rosemary Thompson, Director of Communications (613) 947-7000, ext 260.
RITA JOE NATIONAL SONG PROJECT
WHAT: Students from schools in Nova Scotia and Quebec will perform music they created based on Rita Joe’s "I Lost My Talk" poem.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre, Ottawa
WHO: Mi’kmaq youth from ABMHS High School, Eskasoni, Cape Breton, N.S.
Algonquin youth from Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan School, Maniwaki, QC
Frances Joe, the daughter of poet Rita Joe
Moe Clark, Host and Multi Media Métis Artist
Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra
Annie Smith St-Georges, Algonquin Elder
Jessica Bolduc, 4R’s Youth Movement
CONTACT: Mary Gordon, National Editor for the NAC (613) 947-7000, ext 849
100 YEARS OF LOSS EXHIBITION OPENS AND PANEL DISCUSSION
WHAT: Exhibition created by the Legacy of Hope Foundation opens in the main lobby of the NAC followed by a fascinating discussion about the role of the arts in reconciliation.
WHEN: Thursday, January 14, 2016 (6:00-7:30 p.m.)
Exhibition opens (6:00 p.m.) Panel begins (6:30 p.m.)
WHERE: National Arts Centre, Ottawa Main foyer (100 Years of Loss) and
Panorama Room (Panel)
WHO: The Right Hon. Joe Clark
Dr. Marie Wilson, Commissioner Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Joseph Boyden, author
Rachael Maza, Theatre director (Jack Charles V The Crown)
John Estacio, composer
CONTACT: Carl Martin, Senior Communications Advisor (613) 947-7000, ext 560 and Rosemary Thompson, Director of Communications for the NAC (613) 947-7000, ext. 260
OPENING NIGHT: I LOST MY TALK AND JACK CHARLES V. THE CROWN
WHAT: Two pieces inspired by the historical legacy of residential schools. The Orchestra will perform the multi-media immersive composition entitled, “I Lost My Talk”, by John Estacio. NAC English Theatre will present a similar story through the autobiographical piece of Jack Charles V. The Crown, a piece about one man’s struggle through residential schools in Australia.
WHEN: January 14, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Southam Hall (I Lost My Talk) and the NAC Studio (Jack Charles V The Crown)
-30-
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Rosemary Thompson,
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
613 947-7000 x260
Carl Martin
Senior Advisor, Communications
National Arts Centre
613-947-7000, ext. 560