WINNIPEG, MB – Twenty years ago an event known as the “Crisis in Oka” turned all eyes to the Mohawk community of Kanehsatà:ke. The impact of the event resonated throughout Canada, especially in Indigenous communities, where it stirred great passion and debate between friends and family. Was this the event that would galvanize a people and bring about real change in the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples?
Ten years after the standoff, Manitoba playwright Douglas Nepinak found that not much had changed. “The Crisis in Oka, Manitoba” is his humorous and compelling examination of the impact of the event on one North End Winnipeg family. The play examines how we interpret and respond to situations based on our own experiences and it does so with unflinching honesty, great compassion and a wild sense of humour.
CBC Radio and NCI, in partnership with The University of Winnipeg and Winnipeg-based Arbeiter Ring Publishing, are presenting the play to audiences in a newly adapted radio version.
Oka, twenty years later. Has anything changed?
Come be part of the live taping of this unique radio drama.
WHEN: Friday, September 17, 2010 – two shows at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
WHERE: Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film at UWinnipeg, 400 Colony St.
(enter off Balmoral)
ADMISSION: Pay what you can; all proceeds go to The Opportunity Fund
to help low income students attend UWinnipeg
RESERVE: okatickets@cbc.ca or call 204.788.3128
Directed by Tracy McCorrister; Adapted for radio by Ross McMillan; Original music by Dave Boulanger and Burnt; Mature content; Duration 90 minutes; No late arrivals as the performances are being recorded.
Each performance will be followed by a brief round table with a reception after the evening performance. For more information go to cbc.ca/manitoba or ncifm.com.
“The Crisis in Oka, Manitoba” is included in the new book This is an Honour Song:
Twenty Years Since the Blockades from Arbeiter Ring Publishing. The book will be available for purchase, and contributors will be present to sign copies and answer questions.
Opportunity Fund
The Opportunity Fund was created by The University of Winnipeg to help make it possible for youth to dream big. The fund, which is unique among Canadian universities, invests in youth, bridges the graduation gap and transforms lives.
The University of Winnipeg is building a $10-million endowment fund that will help ensure that everyone, regardless of background and socio-economic status, has access to higher education and opportunities.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
