The St. Clair Catholic District School Board, in partnership with the Chatham Capitol Theatre, will present two performances of the award-winning performance The Mush Hole, which tells the story of Canada’s first Residential School.
The Mush Hole was the nickname for the Mohawk Institute Residential School, which operated in Brantford, Ontario between 1831 and 1970. The school was a key tool in the effort to assimilate First Nations children into Christian society, leaving a legacy of unimaginable trauma.
This award-winning theatrical dance piece created by Six Nations choreographer Santee Smith is performed by the internationally acclaimed Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. The Mush Hole is drawn from survivor testimonials, weaving through the traumatic memories of two generations, and paying tribute to their remarkable resilience. Visceral performances by an all-Indigenous cast, cinematic imagery and a haunting musical score transport audiences back to the school, through an unforgettable story of finding light in the darkest of places.
“The Mush Hole reflects the realities of the Mohawk Institute residential school experience and offers a way to open dialogue and to heal, through acknowledgment and honouring the spirit of Survivors and families that were impacted,” says Santee Smith, the play’s Artistic Producer/Director.
In 2020, the Mush Hole received five Dora Mavor Moore Awards, including outstanding new play, outstanding performance by an ensemble cast and outstanding direction.
Truth and Reconciliation calls upon individuals, groups, and organizations, to stand in solidarity and to take action to uphold the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action. This opportunity for learning the true history of residential schools, the intergenerational impacts, and the effects which are still felt today, helps to extend learning and awareness beyond Orange Shirt Day.
The Chatham Capitol Theatre extends a special thank-you to CK Employment and Social Services and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for providing funding to support the event. This generous support has resulted in special pricing of $5 per student for the morning performance, and $10 (all seats, general admission) for the evening performance.
Performance Details:
A performance for school groups will be given on Wednesday, October 12 at the Chatham Capitol Theatre at 11:00 am, followed by a performance at 6:00 pm for the general public.
Each performance is approximately 60 minutes in duration followed by a brief Q and A with the performers. CONTENT ADVISORY: Contains mature content, recommended for ages 13+.
Tickets:
For tickets to the evening performance, visit www.cktickets.com or call 519-354-8338 or toll-free 1-866-807-7770; tickets can also be purchased at the CKtickets Box Office located at the Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William St. N. Chatham, ON. (open Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm).