CHILDREN OF GOD

A musical written and directed by COREY PAYETTE
Produced in association with the Citadel Theatre, Edmonton, AB
An Urban Ink (Vancouver) production
In collaboration with Canada's National Arts Centre
In Association with Raven Theatre and The Cultch (Vancouver)

A gorgeous, powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to residential school. The story of Rita, a mother never let past the school’s gate, and her children, who never knew she came, as they push towards redemption. A thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities that celebrates resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit. Payette’s moving score includes echoes of Broadway masterpieces.

Artistic Team

Michelle Bardach:  Joanna/Secretary
Raes Calvert:  Wilson/Movement Director
Sarah Carlé:  Sister Bernadette
Dillan Chiblow:  Tom/Tommy
David Keeley:  Father Christopher
Sandy Scofield:  Rita
Cheyenne Scott:  Julia
Aaron M. Wells:  Vincent/Fight Captain
Kaitlyn Yott:  Elizabeth

Steven Greenfield:  Musician - Keys
Amy Nicholson:  Musician - Cello
Brian Raine:  Musician - Guitar
Martina Smazal:  Musician - Viola

Corey Payette:  Book/Music/Lyrics & Director
Marshall McMahen:  Production Designer
Allen Cole:  Musical Director
Elliot Vaughan:  Orchestrator
Julie McIsaac:  Associate Director
Jeff Harrison:  Lighting Designer
Helen Oro:  Jewelry Design
Kris Boyd & Kyra Soko:  Sound Designers
Mike Kovac & Ryan McNeill Bolton:  Fight Directors
Steven Greenfield:  Associate Music Director
Samira Rose:  Stage Manager
Molly Pearson:  Assistant Stage Manager

 

Photos

 

Media

Susan Edgell of CFJC TV's Midday Show interviews playwright Corey Payette on set at the Sagebrush Theatre...Click the link to watch the video.

 

Show Program

Includes introductory notes by Writer/Choreographer/Director Corey Payette, Artistic Director James MacDonald, Executive Director Lori Marchand, TRU Professor Ginny Ratsoy, and much more. Download as a PDF here.

 

Study Guide

The CHILDREN OF GOD Study Guide is here. It provides information for educators or group leaders about the production’s content, themes, related terminology, and possible discussion or project topics, as well as additional resources.
[Due to the sensitive nature of the content, we would recommend this production for ages 14+, with parental or adult accompaniment, but the Study Guide could be used with younger children to spark discussions around residential schools.]