Live Performing Arts Production Grant Helps A Rez Christmas Carol Shine

Ed Mendez was successful in applying for a Live Performing Arts Production Grant for their live theatre production, A Rez Christmas Carol.

Ed Mendez, General Manager of Burnt Thicket Theatre, was successful in applying for a Live Performing Arts Production Grant for the theatre production of A Rez Christmas Carol. The production, which loosely adapts Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a local twist, played multiple shows in Saskatoon, North Battleford, and La Ronge. A comedic look at life on the Rez during the Christmas season, A Rez Christmas Carol brought Indigenous-based family entertainment to Indigenous families in those areas.

After the passing of Jacob Mistahay, Purdy Parsimonias – a young Metis woman – takes over the position of Finance Manager for the Kiwetinohk Cree Nation. Parsimonias, a scrooge-like band manager, intends to eliminate financial bonuses for band members and cut major costs. This act catches the attention of the Spirits of the Four Directions. The Spirits take Purdy on a journey through the lives of the people she has affected. The consequences of Ms. Purdy’s choices and actions are revealed to her as the events of the story unfold creating a humorous and moving look at life on the Rez at Christmas time.

A Rez Christmas Carol’s writer, Curtis Peeteetuce, is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist from the Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation. Since 2001, he has worked with many talented people in theatre, radio, drama, music, and film. He is a storyteller, actor, writer, director, dancer, musician, and playwright for the popular Rez Christmas Story series and his published plays include Nicimos, Kihew, and Popcorn Elder, which was nominated for two Saskatchewan Arts Awards.

Was the production a success? Markedly so. “The biggest win for this project was a 43% increase in attendance over last year’s Christmas production,” says Mendez. “Additionally, we were able to tour to the Dekker Centre for the first time in many, many years, which will be a huge boon to increasing our audience for future productions.”