Latest COV production provides in-depth look at healing
- EFN Staff | March 16, 2016
Community activist Marcel Petit’s latest work is the play Reclaim, the story of a retired police officer who attends a healing circle to let go of the past and move forward in a healthy way.
“The play is an honest portrayal of what I saw on the streets,” explains Petit. “It’s the relationship between the police and the people I grew up with.”
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Reclaim is a multi-media, one act play which will be performed by the Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre (GTNT) Circle of Voices (COV) participants. The COV program assists young artists in building self-confidence and cultural awareness while developing performing arts skills and working with industry professionals.
Petit drafted the play and then collaborated with the COV participants for feedback and input before writing the final version. “Working with the COV participants was amazing,” says Petit. “They are so resilient. They faced the challenges that were put in front of them and came out the other side.”
Reclaim is consistent with GTNT’s delivery of thematic and relevant presentations for diverse audiences. As Saskatchewan’s only professional Indigenous theatre company, GTNT produces culturally based Indigenous theatre that educates and promotes racial harmony.
"This is a tough show,” admits GTNT Artistic Associate and COV Co-ordinator Jennifer Bishop. “It's full of so much truth and emotion. This year's COV is giving it their all in bringing Reclaim to life. I think the work of Marcel Petit and our COV goes hand in hand to create this journey together. I'm proud of everyone that's involved."
The audience can expect an in-depth look at the inner workings of healing circles and the drama that can materialize when people come face to face over a conflict.
While Petit admits the process of writing the play was difficult at the beginning, he acknowledges, “It was an amazing journey for me. It helped me heal, forgive and let go of some of my past that was still hanging on.”
The Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre is presenting Reclaim at Studio 914 in Saskatoon from March 11 to 18.