Declaration: Rematriation @ King's Hall
Indigenous theatre-makers Article Eleven bring a vital, urgent perspective on the Canadian story to the Fringe, as Canada Hub at the King’s Hall celebrates 150 years since the founding of the country
Part installation, part performance, part discussion, Declaration: Rematriation brings together indigenous artists and speakers from Turtle Island (a.k.a North America) to amplify the voices and stories that have for so long gone unheard.
The history of Canada’s indigenous population is one of immense injustice and systematic violence that continues to this day, and Article Eleven are determined to convey this in all of its horrific detail. It is not exactly comfortable viewing, but it feels both humbling and necessary. A video installation of depictions of First Nation peoples from popular films looms above the audience as we enter, forcing us to confront the oppressive stereotypes that have contributed to the erasure and destruction of indigenous identities. Meanwhile, a movement-based performance piece reveals the deep trauma of Canada’s infamous residential schools and their legacy in the Canadian psyche and its institutions. The anger and honesty of Andy Moro’s performance is deeply affecting.
However, despite its hard-hitting portrayals of violence and historical trauma, Declaration: Rematriation is simultaneously tender and moving. Tara Beagan speaks to the audience with warmth and sincerity as she invites us to respond to the tragedies we learn about, and the audience are soon transfixed by her quietly passionate demeanour. The overall mood is one of hopeful defiance, in a show that will leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Declaration: Rematriation, King’s Hall, 18, 21, 22, 25 Aug, 3.30pm, £10 (£8)