Ottawa, Ontario – When NAC English Theatre Artistic Director Peter Hinton announced the 2011-12 season this past April, one of the many highlights was the season closing -- a special production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, King Lear, set in the Canada of 1608, with a cast of Aboriginal actors from across the country, including the renowned August Schellenberg in the title role of Lear.

August Schellenberg is of Mohawk and Swiss-German descent, was raised in Montreal, QC and is based in Dallas, TX. “A dream I’ve had for almost 40 years is to do an all-Native King Lear, and prove to the world that Native actors can do Shakespeare.” August appeared in both productions of George Ryga’s The Ecstasy of Rita Joe at the NAC, originating the role of Jaimie Paul in 1969 (Vancouver Playhouse production) and returning 40 years later, to play the role of David Joe in 2009 (co-production with Western Canada Theatre).

Since his arrival in 2005, Peter Hinton has redefined what is presented on the stage at the NAC, which includes a strong commitment to the development of Aboriginal work, and ongoing work with Aboriginal theatre artists.

“There are two things that I am proudest of at the NAC,” said Peter Hinton, who will also direct the production. “On one level is the Shakespeare, and the other has been our Aboriginal programming. This production is a fitting celebration of the great Aboriginal talent we have in Canada. It is an honour for me to bring this production to the NAC.”

Along with August Schellenberg, Peter Hinton is pleased to announce the casting for the all-Aboriginal production of King Lear.

Keith Barker, a Métis artist raised in Kenora, ON and based in Toronto, ON, will be playing the role of Cornwall. “It is an honour to be working on a production with so many talented artists, both on stage and off. My heartfelt appreciation and sincerest gratitude to all those at the National Arts Centre for giving me another opportunity to grace Canada's premiere stage.” Keith was last at the NAC in Death of a Chief (co-production with Native Earth Performing Arts) in 2008.

Lorne Cardinal, a Cree raised in Sucker Creek, AB and based in Squamish, BC will be playing the role of Albany and acting as Assistant Director for the production. “To me it's the fulfillment of a dream; August Schellenberg's dream. He dreamed of this production over 40 years ago and it has now become realized. It is the first time an all-Native cast is playing the main stage, doing Shakespeare. The first time people across Canada will see that Native people do have the talent and skills to perform the Bard’s words. This is the chance for me to work with the trailblazers of Native theatre; these are the artists who began when the norm was to have non-Aboriginals play Native characters! We have come a long way and yet there is so much farther to go...” Lorne was last at the NAC in Death of a Chief (co-production with Native Earth Performing Arts) in 2008.

Tantoo Cardinal, a Métis artist raised in Anzac, AB and based in Vancouver, BC, will take on the role of Regan. “There have been many political and social decisions that have created drama in our lives. We have overthrown kingdoms/queendoms, schisms, warring nations, bastard children, raging anger, psychosis, deep dark secrets. Whatever Shakespeare got, we got. It has been a career-long dream to do Shakespeare, and to work with August on stage. I am honoured and enthused to be on the list to enter that stage, and to play Regan.” King Lear marks Tantoo’s first appearance at the NAC since Beyond Batoche (Globe Theatre production) in 1985.

Ryan Cunningham, a Métis artist raised and based in Edmonton, AB, will play Oswald. “This production is a huge accomplishment for me as an actor and one of the highlights of my career because it is so incredibly important to the evolution and acceptance of Aboriginal artists across Canada. I know I will learn so much working with this calibre of cast, with Peter Hinton as director, and with this material.” Ryan last appeared at the NAC in The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (co-production with Western Canada Theatre) in 2009.

Meegwun Fairbrother of Ojibway descent, raised in Grassy Narrows First Nation and based in Toronto, ON, will play Burgundy. “I just want to work…and now I have the chance to work with people I have looked up to since I was a child growing up on the rez. Let’s play!” Meegwun is making his NAC debut.

Craig Lauzon is Ojibway, English and French, raised in Ottawa, ON and based in Toronto, ON, will play the role of Kent. “To the best of my knowledge there has never been a production like this. The cultural significance is unparalleled here in Canada. To stage a straight production of King Lear in this manner is historic not just here in Canada, but for all of Turtle Island and the world. I feel quite honoured to be a part of this piece of history.” Craig is making his NAC debut.

Jani Lauzon of Métis heritage, raised in Cranbrook, BC and based in Toronto, ON, will take on the role of Cordelia and The Fool. “Three things. More Shakespeare, the chance to work with August and Peter, and to be back ‘home’ at the NAC.” Jani returns for her third consecutive season as a member of the NAC English Theatre Company, previously appearing in Saint Carmen of The Main (co-production with Canadian Stage), nativity, A Christmas Carol, and Mother Courage and Her Children (co-production with Manitoba Theatre Centre). She also appeared in Death of a Chief (co-production with Native Earth Performing Arts) in 2008, and provided musical compositions for Copper Thunderbird (co-production with Urban Ink Productions) in 2007.

Kevin Loring, a member of the N’lakap’mux First Nation, raised in Lytton, BC and based in Vancouver, BC, will play the role of Edmond. “While working on The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, August Schellenberg talked about his dream to play the Bard’s tragic king with an all-Aboriginal cast. And in that moment, it became my dream too. I think that this will be a production that people will talk about for years to come.”  This marks Kevin’s second consecutive season as a member of the NAC English Theatre Company, having appeared in Saint Carmen of The Main (co-production with Canadian Stage), and Vimy (co-production with GCTC). Previous work with the NAC includes: Burning Vision, Copper Thunderbird (co-production with Urban Ink Productions) in 2007, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (co-production with Western Canada Theatre) in 2009; NAC English Theatre Playwright in Residence for 2009-10. In 2010, his play, Where the Blood Mixes (Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and Belfry Theatre revival production in association with The Savage Society) toured Canada including the NAC.

Billy Merasty of Cree descent, raised in Brochet, MN and based in Toronto, ON, will play the role of Gloucester. “It is a privilege and an honour for me to work with my professional Native community in King Lear, and to work with the great Peter Hinton, once again. May love conquer all. Peace out.” Billy has appeared at the NAC in Where the Blood Mixes (Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and Belfry Theatre revival production in association with The Savage Society) in 2009, and Copper Thunderbird (co-production with Urban Ink Productions) in 2007. Earlier in his career, he appeared in the NAC production of Dry Lips Oughtta Move To Kapuskasing in 1991.

Monique Mojica from the Guna and Rappahannock nations and adopted into the Cayuga bear clan, raised in New York, California, Ohio, and based in Toronto, ON, will be playing the role of Goneril. “First of all I am honoured to return to the NAC family and excited to have the opportunity to be directed by Peter Hinton for the very first time. I welcome the challenge of working in an all-Aboriginal cast, as we examine what it means to take something as culturally and temporally specific as Shakespeare’s text and story, and to transpose it not only to another time and place, but also to a culture and a collision of cultures that are rooted in the ground under our feet and not in Elizabethan England. Nuedi.” Monique has been seen at the NAC in Death of a Chief (co-production with Native Earth Performing Arts) in 2008, and Governor of the Dew in 2002.

Jeremy Proulx of Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) and Oneida (Haudenosaunee) descent, raised in Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash First Nation), and based in Toronto, ON, will be playing the role of France. “I'm beyond thrilled to be returning to the NAC and to be sharing the stage with such an amazing group of First Nation performers, many of whom I've admired for so long. To be part of this extraordinary company of all First Nation actors, performing Shakespeare on such a major stage in Canada, will truly go down as one of the highlights of my professional career. Chi-Miigwetch to all of my Indigenous ancestors who have come before me and their fire that burns inside me; a fire that continues to ignite my passion for performing and storytelling." Jeremy last appeared at the NAC in The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (co-production with Western Canada Theatre) in 2009.

Gordon Patrick White of French and Mi'kmaq decent, raised in Flat Bay, NL, and based in Halifax, NS, will be playing the role of Edgar. “To be working at the National Arts Centre, on a masterpiece by the greatest writer in history, and to stand with some of the best actors in the country...it means a great deal! Add to it the challenge of Edgar, and the opportunity to work in such a fresh way, I am more than excited!” Gordon was recently in Fogo Island, Newfoundland as part of the NAC English Theatre’s development project The Ark: Ibsen on Fogo Island.

The creative team working alongside these actors to bring this production to life will include: Gillian Gallow, Set and Costume Designer; Louise Guinand, Lighting Designer; Alessandro Juliani, Sound Designer; Paula Danckert, Production Dramaturg; Suzanne Keeptwo, Aboriginal Advisor and Community Liaison; David Dean, Company Historian; Stéfanie Séguin, Stage Manager; and Samira Rose, Assistant Stage Manager.

The NAC English Theatre production of King Lear will also introduce a special project titled The Four Nations Exchange. The objective of the Exchange is to build bridges between the urban Aboriginal community in Ottawa to the National Arts Centre and to the upcoming Aboriginal production of Shakespeare’s King Lear.

The Four Nations Exchange will consist of 12, two-hour workshops, commencing January 8, 2012, which shall serve as an introduction to professional theatre.  Led by Suzanne Keeptwo and Peter Hinton, these workshops will develop theatre education and skills, while inspiring an appreciation of professional theatre and specifically Shakespeare. From the workshop, the community for King Lear will be created and participants will appear onstage with 13 professional Aboriginal actors in the production of King Lear.  

The Four Nations Exchange refers to the Fourth Fire prophecy of the Anishinaabe Peoples which foretells a time of peace and understanding.

King Lear runs in the NAC Theatre May 8 – 26, 2012.

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

For more detailed information about the artists and productions at the NAC English Theatre, click on www.nac-cna.ca/en/theatre.

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For more information, please contact:

Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
phone: 613-947-7000 ext. 389/cell: 613-899-9737 or email sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca