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Named for the deep affinity that Justin Neal has for this clever, and at times haunting bird, Holy Crow Arts is committed to undertaking projects that support the research and creation of Neal’s artistic voice and support the development of production and touring of his original theatrical works and collaborative artistic projects. Holy Crow Arts supports the development of educational workshops and community-engaged projects offered and developed by Justin Neal, or other like-minded performance partners in and around the unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam).

PRESS

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New Vancouver-based Indigenous Theatre Company Holy Crow Arts Announces World Premiere of So Damn Proud  

Presenting a Unique Drama that Weaves Contemporary Dance and Coast Salish Culture Traditions to tell an Evocative Tale of Two Squamish Nation Siblings

VANCOUVER, BC (August 16, 2021) —  Delayed for over a year, the newly-formed theatre company, Holy Crow Arts, is pleased to present its inaugural production, So Damn Proud. Premiering at Vancouver Civic Theatre’s Annex Theatre from September 10-24, 2021, the play is written and directed by mixed race Squamish Nation playwright Justin Neal and brings together artists across the cultural and performing arts spectrum.

“It is a thrill to see this cast of phenomenal actors and dance artists so deeply engaged in this new work. And it’s a special privilege to produce the premiere on traditional Squamish Nation territory, ” said Neal, Artistic Director for Holy Crow Arts. Slated to premiere in July 2020 but stalled by covid, So Damn Proud is “an interdisciplinary play for a live in-person audience — the show weaves together the power of Indigenous artistic expression, the richness of a gripping character-driven drama chock-full of hilarious comedy, and the profound physical beauty of dance.”

Set over seven years, the nonlinear play reveals life-changing moments in the lives of two Squamish Nation siblings. Joanne and Joe, raised in the Seattle area after their grandmother migrated there, have both returned to their Indigenous homeland for very different reasons. 

SYNOPSIS Something troubling causes Joanne to abruptly end her once promising dance career. Years later, at a surprise dinner that her brother Joe secretly arranges with Joanne’s boyfriend, we piece together what happened and what Joe did to cause the deep rift between them. The play underscores their biracial struggle; exploring their culture leads to transformation as they carve out their own sense of identity and what it means to be family.

The cast is led by two extraordinary Indigenous performers; Michelle Bardach (Squamish and We Wai Kai Nations) and Aaron M. Wells (Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Tsimpsian Nations) who play Joanne and Joe. The cast also features premier local talent including contemporary dance veterans Max Chadburn and Sarah Formosa alongside multi-talented actors Cole Vandale (Métis) and Alysson Hall.

Olivia C. Davies, choreographer of Anishinaabe, French-Canadian, Finnish and Welsh heritage, creates evocative contemporary dance as the play navigates mystery, comedy, and harrowing drama with elements of Coast Salish artistic traditions. 

With cultural assistance from Squamish Nation Elder and Artist Latash Maurice Nahanee and Squamish Language help from Rebecca Campbell, the creative team also features Rianne Svelnis, Choreographer Assistant and Rehearsal Director; Jay Havens, Production Designer; Russell Wallace, Music Composer; Harika Xu, Lighting Designer; Daniel Tessy, Sound Designer; Mimi Abrahams, Production Manager; and Rob Eccles, Graphic Design.

SUMMARY Holy Crow Arts’ inaugural production of Justin Neal’s So Damn Proud runs September 10–24 at Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC. Show schedule: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, 8PM; Sun, 2PM. Tickets: $33 General Admission, $19 Students, Free for Indigenous patrons. On sale at holycrowarts.com and eventbrite.ca

ABOUT HOLY CROW ARTS

Established in January 2020, Holy Crow was founded by Justin Neal with a desire to address the dearth of contemporary and honest Indigenous characters on stage. The aim is to present unique, artistically-challenging, and genre-defying work. Indigenous people are often stereotyped, characterized as spirits of the past, or placed in massively stylized, mythical contexts rather than portrayed as complicated, nuanced, and real people. Holy Crow’s work is committed to authentic voices of empowerment. And to find deft ways to infuse comedy and convey serious themes in surprising, hilarious, disarming, truthful, and heartfelt ways.

DATE/TIME Friday, September 10–Saturday, September 11 at 8pm; Sunday, September 12 at 2pm; Tuesday, September 14–Saturday, September 19 at 8pm; Sunday, September 20 at 2pm; Tuesday, September 22–Friday, September 24 at 8pm. 

VENUE Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC  V6B 3L4

TICKETS $33 General Admission, $19 Students, Free for Indigenous patrons

WITH FUNDING BY Squamish Nation • First Peoples’ Cultural Council • Canada Council For The Arts • British Columbia Arts Council • City Of Vancouver, Cultural Services

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