Indigenous Theatre Creator Program.

Indigenous Theatre Creator Program 2022 Recipient Announced.

County Stage in collaboration with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na, is excited to announce Karen Lewis as the 2022 Indigenous Theatre Creator. 

The position awarded this year to Lewis, offers an honorarium in addition to support from the County Stage artistic team, and a workshop of the writer's created work.

2022 RECIPIENT

Karen Lewis worked for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte for 27 years, first to establish, then manage the Kanhiote Public Library.

She has lived at Tyendinaga most of her life alongside her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Among other things, Karen loves history, mystery and the arts. 

THE PROJECT

Karen’s work with County Stage will centre on telling the story of her people's journey from present day New York State during the American Revolutionary War to their home at Tyendinaga in 1784. Comparing existing versions of the story, Karen wishes to tell a more truthful and less romanticized version.

Her writing will follow the journey of Mohawk leader Captain John, using his own words, as he led his people out of their homeland near the end of the war and the drama as they landed at Lachine, Quebec only to wait seven years for a place to call home.

The landing, which is commemorated every year, was an ending and a beginning for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. For Karen, this story is a personal one, but entirely universal; people being displaced from their homes due to war and searching to replicate what was lost.

To learn more, watch Bill Welychka of Global News Morning speaking with Artistic Director Graham Abbey and Callie Hill from Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na.

We acknowledge that our theatre is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Wendat and Haudenosaunee Peoples and adjacent to the Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk people) community of Tyendinaga. We are grateful for the opportunity to create and meet here, and we thank all the generations of Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island who have taken care of this land for thousands of years.

Thank you/Nyá:wen/Miigwech.