MEDIA RELEASE
publicity@holycrowarts.com

Vancouver-based Coast Salish Theatre, Holy Crow Arts, Presents
A World Premiere, Keepers of the Salish Sea

A probing and hilarious tale infuses disparate worlds, traversing a surrealist journey into nightlife, vice, and corporate inanity, to the stark realities of hitting the reset button on life. The play takes us on a quest to follow the call to find one’s purpose.

VANCOUVER, BC (October 18, 2024) —  Holy Crow Arts is pleased to announce the world premiere of Keepers of the Salish Sea. Premiering as a rental at The Cultch’s Historic Theatre from November 21-December 1, 2024, acclaimed Inuvialuk/Dene/Cree director Reneltta Arluk takes the reigns on this tale of self discovery, a journey from the cubicles, dive bars, and concrete of New York City to the other side of Turtle Island, and the lush, pristine lands of K’emk'emeláy (Vancouver). 

“I am thrilled that Reneltta is directing this work. Observing her process and how she ignites this unbelievably talented cast is incredible. They’re creating an indelible one-of-a-kind evening that will resonate with audiences,” says playwright, Justin Neal, a member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). “I sought to create a funny, bold, and heartfelt story that navigates surreal aspects of the party life and corporate culture in a new way, and how recovery can lead to pursuing a life of meaning and purpose. In close collaboration with my Squamish Ocean Canoe Family and this superlative creative team, I am excited to share a stunning celebration of culture on Coast Salish lands.”

PLAY SYNOPSIS Samuel, a New Yorker drunk, sobers up and gets a transcendent call from Coast Salish lands. Along the way, Samuel must overcome the demons that beckon and the bosses that threaten. And as he finds clarity and learns to live again, he charts a new course right in front of our eyes. This loosely based biographical story is inspired by and seeks to honour the phenomenal Coast Salish seagoing practice, thousands of years old, nearly erased by colonization.

The cast is composed of stellar Indigenous actors from across the country, led by lauded TV veteran Meegwun Fairbrother (Burden of Truth, Seeds, Mohawk Girls) making his return to the stage. The ensemble cast includes renowned performers Marion Jacobs, Aaron M. Wells, Cheri Maracle, Cole Vandale, and Mitchell Saddleback.  

The creative team includes Bracken Hanuse Corlett Northwest Coast Artist, Rianne Svelnis Co-Producer, Emily Dotson Set and Costume Designer, Edzi’u Sound Design,

Sophie Kaplan Stage Manager, Jamie Sweeney Lighting Design, Jessica Han Production Manager, Elsa Orme Production Associate, Conor Day Sound Design Assistant, Rob Eccles (@lazbones) Graphic Design/Illustration, and Georgie Lawson Photographer.

Cultural assistance from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw knowledge keepers, Squamish Ocean Canoe Family, including Shucks Larry Nahanee Skipper, Sempúlyan Stewart Gonzales, K’etximtn Alroy Baker, and Tesaxlewet Mabel Nahanee Language and Cultural Advisors.

SUMMARY Holy Crow Arts’ production of Justin Neal’s Keepers of the Salish Sea directed by Reneltta Arluk, runs November 21–December 1 at The Cultch, Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St. Vancouver, BC 604-251-1363 (Box Office). Show schedule: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, 7:30PM; Wed and Sun, 2PM/7:30PM. Tickets: $38 General Admission + $6.30 Venue Service Charge. A number of free tickets to Indigenous Patrons and Pay What You Choose tickets are available. More info at holycrowarts.com.

CREATIVE VISION

Holy Crow was created out of a desire to address the dearth of contemporary & honest Indigenous characters on stage as we seek to present unique, artistically-challenging, and genre-defying work. Holy Crow’s work is committed to authentic voices of empowerment, to present dramatic storylines that place characters in opposition to a massive internal or externally systemic obstacle — be they addiction, poverty, racism, and/or oppression. And while artistic works that deal with difficult subjects are an integral part of Holy Crow’s DNA, the works aspire to explore serious themes in ways that are surprising, hilarious, disarming, truthful, and heartfelt.

DATE/TIME Preview: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30PM; Opening Night: Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:30PM; Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30PM; Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2PM & 7:30PM; Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30PM; Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 2PM & 7:30PM; Thursday, Nov. 28–Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7:30PM; Sunday, December 1 at 2pm & 7:30PM.

VENUE The Cultch, Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St. Vancouver, BC (rental) 604-251-1363 (Box Office)

TICKETS $38 GA + $6.30 venue service fee. Free Indigenous Patrons & Pay What You Choose available.

WITH FUNDING FROM Squamish Nation • First Peoples’ Cultural Council • British Columbia Arts Council • City Of Vancouver, Cultural Services

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