Native Earth’s 25th anniversary season gets grounded

After 25 years, it’s no surprise Native Earth Performing Arts (NEPA) has grown a few roots. That’s why its 25th season’s theme is ‘grounded’: A tribute to the company’s storied past and exciting future.

Back in 1982, NEPA was founded on the belief that theatre can be written, performed, and produced by Native artists. Now, with a strong roster of three shows this year, a festival, and 25 celebrations of this major milestone, that leap of faith seems to be paying off.

Here’s the all-star lineup:

Annie Mae’s Movement

Written and Directed by Yvette Nolan

Featuring Michelle St. John & Grahame Merke

Honouring Theatre Tour 2007/2008, Perth, Australia

Annie Mae’s Movement explores what it must have been like to be Anna Mae Pictou Aquash: A woman in a man’s movement, a Canadian in America, an Aboriginal in a white-dominant culture at a time when it felt like we could really change the world.

Weesageechak Begins to Dance XX

October 10-13, 2007 Berkeley Street Theatre

Let the music begin. We have a lot of excitement to pack into four days. Expect to see electrifying new works by emerging Native artists and surprising creations by trailblazing favourites. Expect to be amazed by our Young Voices and Rhymekeepers. Expect the unexpected. Care to dance?

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Death of a Chief

A Native Earth Performing Arts/National Arts Centre (Ottawa) Co-production

Adapted and created by Yvette Nolan & Kennedy C. MacKinnon

Featuring Waawaate Fobister, Falen Johnson, Craig Lauzon, Jani Lauzon, Cheri Maracle, Monique Mojica, Michelle St. John, Michaela Washburn

Feb 18-Mar 1, 2008, National Arts Centre, Ottawa

Mar 6-16, 2008, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Toronto

Shakespeare’s classic tale of Julius Caesar is unearthed—this time on Native ground. The republic in transition: the Aboriginal political scene, where the universal complexities of ambition and power lead to betrayal within the community.

The Triple Truth

Created and Performed by Turtle Gals Performance Ensemble

Touring May 12-31, 2008

The history of Indigenous people at work in North America unfolds in 60 minutes of story, song and movement. With humour and poignancy, The Triple Truth dramatizes pre-contact sustainable economies to Columbus, through to the present-day rebuilding of Native economic stability and sovereignty. It is a visceral way to augment current curriculum pertaining to Native Studies, History, Economics, English and Drama.

Project 25

Good heavens, we’re old. Instead of contemplating botox or face lifts, let’s party it up, shall we?

To celebrate our 25th season, NEPA is launching Project 25: 25 events, plays and merchandise that pay tribute to Canada’s oldest professional Aboriginal theatre company. For example…

  • Project #7: Buy a slice of NEPA’s Cake Calendar. Sound cryptic? We have three words for you: chocolate, actors, photographer. We would explain more, but we’re too busy indulging
  • Project #23: Native Life Native Theatre Native Earth – Get the chapbook publication featuring memories and anecdotes from 25 years of Native Earth artists, published with the generous support of Playwrights Guild of Canada
  • Project #13: IntoNation – Exceptionally talented Native musicians beat on your ear drum.

Go to to find out more about the best tasting anniversary cake ever.

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NEW! Press-friendly content on our snazzy website

Media members can now easily download press releases, photos and photo captions for their research at least two months before the run of any show.

To give more support to our esteemed press, education guides for each of our shows help media understand the background and inspiration behind each project. Plus, our interactive pages give in-depth information on each cast and creative team members.

Our eager publicist, Catherine Hernandez, is ready to answer any questions at 416.531.1402 or

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