In September 2023, Pimootayowin: A Festival of New Work showcased the artistry of the 2022/23 cohort of Pimootayowin Creators Circle: Mary Black, Ryan Black, Mike Lawrenchuk, Emily Meadows, Victoria Perrie and Eric Plamondon with a free nightly script-reading series. The festival was held in the Tom Hendry Warehouse lobby, where relaxed and stripped-down environment allowed audiences to enjoy the readings.
The festival featured pieces that touch on an exploration of Louis Riel's final days, further betrayals on Turtle Island, the unpacking of many boxes, a question of personal stories, a celebration of life, and the discovery of internal wrongness.
Pimootayowin is an Anishinaabemowin word meaning journey, a word chosen by Program Director and Governor General Award-winning playwright Ian Ross, who explains, “The creation of new art is often described as a journey, so too, our lives. In any journey, we often don’t know what lies ahead but we can emerge enriched by them.” The Pimootayowin Creators Circle met once a week from October to May to develop, support and nurture Indigenous voices, culminating in this festival.
Each year a new group is showcased. Watch for it next September and enjoy a week of inspiring cultural understanding in the voices of these talented play writers.
