Theatre By The Bay is presenting a new play centred on Indigenous healing and experiences in Simcoe County.
Mno Bimaadiziwin premieres September 24th The Orillia Opera House, and will be the final production of the 2021 season.
Mno Bimaadiziwin, meaning “A Good Life,” tells of the resiliency of love, healing, and community in the face of collective trauma. It takes place as the characters prepare to enter a sweat lodge ceremony on their journeys to wellness.
Theatre by the Bay is breaking new ground in presenting the first new work written by a local Anishinaabe woman to to be professionally produced in the area. Mno Bimaadiziwin has been created under the direction of many Indigenous community members, including local playwright Ziigwen Mixemong and director Herbie Barnes.
“Ziigwen is an incredibly talented emerging artist from our community,” said Artistic Director, Iain Moggach. “I am delighted and astonished by the play she has created. It is moving, inventive, and full of hope. It is truly a story for our times – Indigenous or otherwise.”
Mno Bimaadiziwin is the latest play by Theatre by the Bay, and the first that focuses on the stories of the Indigenous community within the Simcoe County (Treaty 16, 18, and Williams Territories) region. In addition, Theatre by the Bay will work with local Indigenous organizations throughout the run of the show to help build strong relationships to honour the newly established National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
Mno Bimaadiziwin will open on September 24th and the run will consist of 11 performances until October 3rd.
The show runs for approximately 75 minutes with no intermission. It contains mature themes and language and is not suitable for audiences under 14. Tickets are available through The Orillia Opera House.
For more information, please visit: www.theatrebythebay.com/mno.