Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Produced in Association with Studio Lab Theatre Foundation

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - The age of Aboriginal Theatre dawns on a new century with Native Earth Performing Arts in the midst of its 19th Season. The mainstage production this season is the Toronto Premiere of "Annie Mae's Movement" written and directed by Yvette Nolan. With previous productions in the Yukon, by Yvette's creation-based company, Hardly Art Theatre, in Winnipeg with Red Roots Theatre, and in Halifax at Eastern Front's 'On the Waterfront Festival', "Annie Mae's Movement" received critical acclaim, and standing ovations in all three cities. "Play celebrates woman warrior" - The Yukon News "Humour and humanity in Nolan's script" - Winnipeg Free Press.

Alanis King, Artistic Director states "Anna Mae Pictou Aquash is one of Canada's greatest heroes. Yvette Nolan's daring play gives us insight into the mystery surrounding her last days as well as her role in the American Indian Movement."

"Annie Mae's Movement" is based on the life of Anna Mae Aquash, a Mi'kmaq woman from Nova Scotia, who in the seventies became actively involved with the American Indian Movement (AIM) during the incidents at Wounded Knee. Anna Mae became an insider in the movement. It was a volatile time, with paranoia rampant amongst the members of AIM, especially with tactics of infiltration used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Native Earth Performing Arts honours her life, and the play sheds new light on this hero.

Yvette Nolan has been writing plays since 1989. She worked in theatre behind the scenes at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, before writing plays of her own. Yvette has been the President of the Playwrights Union of Canada since 1998. In writing "Annie Mae's Movement", Nolan wanted to "examine the woman instead of the myth – where the woman and mother Anna Mae intersected with the warrior and martyr Anna Mae".

The talented cast includes Rose Stella as Anna Mae Aquash, and Jason Yuzicapi as Rugaru/Lawrence/Dennis/Doug/FBI Guy/Law. Rose Stella was involved in the early script development workshop of "Annie Mae's Movement". An accomplished actor/singer/dancer, Stella is an alumni of York University's Theatre Program and the Native Theatre School. She performed with Daystar Dance Company in 'No Home But The Heart', in New York state.

This production marks Jason Yuzicapi's Toronto stage debut. Recently he performed in Regina Little Theatre's production of "Office Hours". Jason will be seen in an upcoming youth television series, Myth Quest. He received his training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

"Annie Mae's Movement" by Yvette Nolan opens March 22 and runs to April 15, 2001, at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 16 Spadina Road, nightly at 8:00 p.m. There will also be 2 previews on March 20 & 21st. All tickets are $10 & $7 for Previews, Sunday's 2:30 PWYC. To reserve your tickets please call the Box Office, phone: 416-531-4525.

This play coincides with the opening of the Annual Traditional Awareness Gathering hosted by the Anishinabek Committee of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, whose theme this year is "In Honour of Women". The Gathering will be held March 24-25, at the Delta Chelsea Inn. For more info, contact the Native Centre, phone: 416-964-9087.

"Annie Mae's Movement" is supported by The Canada Council for the Arts, The City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council, and produced in association with Studio Lab Theatre Foundation. Media Sponsorship provided by CIUT 89.5 FM.

Upcoming for Native Earth Performing Arts Inc. is the Spring Gala, on Thursday, May 24th at Fantasy Farm in the Don Valley. This is NEPA's first Gala in over 10 years…do not miss this party! The Performing Stories Festival begins the next day on Friday, May 25 to Saturday, May 26th at the Native Canadian Centre.

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"Native Earth Performaing Arts (NEPA) is dedicated to the expansion of the Native experience through theatre arts. NEPA is non-profit organization, which enables Native actors, writers, designers, directors and technicians to work together to produce quality theatre that is vital to their development as Artists and to their identity as Native people. Playbill Contacts."