TNB present new work written in collaboration with The New Brunswick Aboriginal Artists Collective
TNB Young Company, the touring branch of Theatre New Brunswick, is about to hit the road in support of The Eighth Fire, an original production developed and written in close collaboration with The New Brunswick Aboriginal Artists Collective.
The Eighth Fire tells the story of two modern day children who set off on a journey to re-connect with their ancestors and find themselves in a magical, expansive world. This adventure story for audiences of all ages speaks to the transformative nature of family, culture and the sentient power of the natural world…and our place within in.
“It’s been an incredibly collaborative experience, bringing this show together,” said TNB Young Company Director, Tania Breen. “The amount of time and effort contributed by so many people who have all helped to bring this show from an idea to a full-blown production is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The support we’ve received from Aboriginal artists across the country is beyond words.”
The production celebrates several landmarks for Theatre New Brunswick. The Eighth Fire represents the company’s first play created in collaboration with several of the province’s leading Aboriginal artists including Harry LaPorte (Maliseet Grand Chief), Barb Nicholas (Wolastoq Aboriginal Visual Artist from Negotkuk Tobique First Nation), Kyle Sacobie (a longstanding member of the Muskrat Singers drum group), Natalie Sappier (Visual Artist – Negotkuk Tobique First Nation), Imelda Perley (Elder-in-Residence: Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Institute, UNB) , Lehi Sanchez (Visual artist) and Sarain Carson Fox (Anishinabe actress and choreographer), whose collective thoughts, skills and ideas have all directly contributed to the shape and development of this work. This year’s edition of TNB Young Company’s annual school tour will also include the company’s first visit to many NB First Nations communities.
“TNB Young Company’s school tour represents an important part of our season programming,” said TNB General Manager, Susan ready. “Each year we hit the road, bringing the magic of live theatre to over 20,000 students across the province. In many cases, our performances offer students their first theatre experience. This year, we’re excited to have the opportunity to share a story in celebration of New Brunswick’s Aboriginal peoples and recognise the important role they play in the cultural landscape of our province.”
TNB Young Company acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of New Brunswick, Great West Life | London Life | Canada Life and the New Brunswick Community College.
