Past Seasons | 1983-1995
Written by Joseph Dandurand and directed by Herbie Barnes, this Native Earth production offers a poignant exploration of cultural displacement, personal history, and the search for identity. No Totem for My Story blends poetic narrative with deeply human characters, reflecting on the loss and reclamation of Indigenous traditions in the modern world. The performance invites audiences to confront themes of belonging, heritage, and resilience in the face of change.
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor and directed by Doris Linklater, this Native Earth production features Herbie Barnes, Columpa C. Bobb, Lee Maracle, and Pamela Matthews. Someday tells a heartfelt story of reconnection, loss, and the impact of the Sixties Scoop on Indigenous families. Through humor, pain, and humanity, the play explores the lifelong journey of those separated from their communities, and the bittersweet realities of reunion and healing.
Written by Tina Mason and directed by Michele George, this Native Earth production brought together an exceptional ensemble including Herbie Barnes, Jack Burning, Gloria Eshkibok, Cynthia Ashperger Eastman, Alex Fallis, Jonathan Fisher, and Jani Lauzon. Diva Ojibway is a bold, vibrant work that blends humor, music, and drama to explore themes of Indigenous identity, self-expression, and the challenges faced by a strong-willed Ojibway woman finding her voice in a world that often tries to silence it.
Written and directed by Flyod Favel, this evocative Native Earth production featured Columpa C. Bobb, Carol Greyeyes, Vince Manitowabi, Billy Merasty, and Sophie Merasty. Lady of Silences is a poetic and visually rich theatrical piece that delves into themes of memory, loss, and cultural identity. Through its layered narrative and strong performances, the work invites audiences to contemplate the unspoken truths and silences that shape personal and collective histories.
Written by Ben Cardinal and directed by Paul Thompson, this dynamic Native Earth production featured a talented cast including Jack Burning, Ben Cardinal, Lorne Cardinal, Sharon King, Doris Linklater, Vince Manitowabi, and Michelle Thrush. Generic Warrior and No Name Indians is a compelling exploration of Indigenous identity, community, and resilience, blending humor, drama, and cultural reflection to challenge stereotypes and celebrate survival in the face of historical and ongoing struggles.
Written by William Merasty and directed by Maggie Huculak, this Native Earth production features Vince Manitowabi, Pamela Matthews, and Billy Merasty. Fireweed explores resilience, memory, and the reclamation of Indigenous identity through a compelling narrative grounded in community and tradition. The play weaves personal stories with broader cultural themes, offering audiences an intimate yet powerful glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of its characters.
Written by Beatrice Mosionier and directed by Larry Lewis, this Native Earth production features Jack Burning, Ron Cook aka Loon Hawk, Gloria May Eshkibok, Doris Linklater, Magnolia, Pamela Matthews, and Marrie Mumford. The play draws on Indigenous storytelling traditions to explore themes of mischief, resilience, and transformation. Through the Trickster figure, the production examines cultural survival and the challenges of modern Indigenous life, blending humor, wit, and thought-provoking commentary.
Written by Daniel David Moses and directed by Marrie Mumford, this Native Earth production features Jonathan Fisher and Pamela Matthews. The play tells the story of Almighty Voice, a Cree man whose life and death became the subject of legend, and his wife, whose perspective deepens the narrative of love, loss, and colonial impact. Notably, the production was nominated for the 1992 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Set Design (Stephen Degenstein), highlighting its striking visual presentation.
Written by Jim Morris and directed by Raoul Trujillo, this Native Earth production stars Shirley Cheechoo, Jack Horne, Jani Lauzon, Gloria Miguel, and Alejandro Ronceria. The play delivers a compelling portrayal rooted in Indigenous history and storytelling, blending drama and cultural identity. It received multiple nominations for the 1991 Dora Mavor Moore Award, including Outstanding Costume Design (Shadowland), Lighting Design (Stephen Degenstein), Set Design (Stephen Degenstein), and Sound Design (Marsha Coffey).
Written and performed by Margo Kane and directed by Floyd Favel, this Native Earth production is a powerful one-woman show exploring identity, family, and belonging. Through heartfelt storytelling and performance, Kane shares the journey of an Indigenous woman navigating her past and reclaiming her cultural roots.
A co-presentation by Native Earth and the Theatre Resource Centre, written by Ronald Weihs with music by James Gray. Directed by Tomson Highway and Cheryl Cashman, the production featured a large ensemble cast including Herbie Barnes, Ned Benson, Jack Burning, Tina Bomberry, Kennetch Charlette, Gloria Eshkibok, Gaye Huycke, Nick Johne, Jan Kudelka, Jani Lauzon, Marien Lewis, Billy Merasty, Nion, Sue Morrison, and Alejandro Ronceria. The play blended music, performance, and storytelling in a vibrant theatrical experience.
A Native Earth production written by John McLeod, directed by Tomson Highway and Rene Highway. The production featured Herbie Barnes, Kennetch Charlette, Graham Greene, Jim Mason, Billy Merasty, Marrie Mumford, Richard Parlington, and Bruce Sinclair. This ensemble brought to life McLeod’s compelling work, blending vivid storytelling with powerful performances.
A Native Earth production written by Tomson Highway and directed by Larry Lewis. The cast included Ben Cardinal, Kennetch Charlette, Gloria May Eshkibok, Gary Farmer, Graham Greene, Doris Linklater, and Billy Merasty. The production won the 1989 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play (Tomson Highway), Production, Performance – Male (Graham Greene), and Performance – Female (Doria Linklater). It was also nominated for Outstanding Direction (Larry Lewis) and Performance – Male (Gary Farmer).
A Native Earth production written, composed, and directed by Tomson Highway, choreographed and directed by Rene Highway. The cast featured Rene Highway, Tomson Highway, and Billy Merasty. The production was nominated for the 1989 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play (Tomson Highway).
COYOTE CITY is a Native Earth production written by acclaimed playwright Daniel David Moses and directed by Anne Anglin. The play brought together a talented cast including Tina Bomberry, Ron Cook, Maragret Cozry, Gloria May Eshkibok, Alanis King, and Gordie Odjig. Set within the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, the production explored themes central to Indigenous identity and community life, weaving powerful storytelling with memorable performances.
NEW SONG…NEW DANCE is a Native Earth production choreographed by the renowned Rene Highway, blending movement, music, and storytelling to reflect Indigenous traditions and contemporary experiences. Featuring powerful performances by Rene Highway, Rauol Trujillo, and Alejandro Ronceria, the work showcased expressive choreography and cultural depth, captivating audiences at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto with its artistry and emotional resonance.
ARIA is a Native Earth production written by acclaimed playwright Tomson Highway and directed by Larry Lewis, starring Makka Kleist. This evocative performance traveled from Toronto’s Annex Theatre to international stages, including the Asia Pacific Festival in Vancouver and the Aasivik Festival in Greenland. The play’s powerful storytelling and cross-cultural resonance earned it a nomination for the 1987 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Production, cementing its place as a significant work in Indigenous theatre.