Tickets are now available for the interactive play šxʷʔam̓ət, about reconciliation issues between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The play, whose name is pronounced “shwah-mette” (‘home’ in a Coast Salish dialect), comes to Thunderbird Hall Jan. 25.
Theatre for Living is touring šxʷʔam̓ət through 19 communities across B.C. and Alberta between Jan. 17 – Feb. 25. Each tour performance is co-hosted by local community organizations. In Campbell River, the co-hosts are the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, The John Howard Society, Ann Elmore Transition House, and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday Jan. 25. Tickets will be by donation, with the funds supporting the Laichwiltach Family Life elders’ group and the society’s two youth groups. Everyone is welcome to attend and those who wish to be guaranteed admission may pick up tickets in advance at the Laichwiltach Family Life Society (441 4 Ave.) and John Howard Society offices (140 – 10th Ave.) or book them online through Eventbrite.
The play has sold out in Courtenay, so people who wish to attend are encouraged to get their tickets early or arrive early at the Hall. Advance ticket holders are asked to arrive by 7:20 to guarantee admission. After that time, seats will be released.
Members of the Tsow-Tun-Lelum elders’ healing team will be on hand to perform cedar brushings and other healing rituals from 6 to 7 p.m.
The play requires a local team to assist with production set-up and take-down on the day of the performance between 1:30 – 6 p.m. and then again between 10 p.m. until about midnight. If you are interested in this (paying) work, contact Nicole Dumont at nicoledumont@weiwaikum.ca or call the Band office at 250-286-6949.