Experience the World Premiere of ‘On Native Land’ This April

The world premiere of On Native Land, a powerful new musical produced by Raven Theatre in collaboration with Urban Ink, will take place at The Cultch in Vancouver from April 8 to 19, 2024. This compelling production invites audiences to explore contemporary Indigenous narratives through the intertwined lives of a lawyer, a Chief, and a rising singer-songwriter.

At the heart of this story lies a sweeping tale that examines themes of land and identity, showcasing the experiences of three seemingly disparate characters whose paths converge. Under the direction of Corey Payette, known for his ability to blend ancestral and modern musical influences, On Native Land challenges conventional notions of what a musical can achieve. Payette’s work has been favorably compared to renowned Broadway productions such as Company and Dear Evan Hansen, but with a distinct Indigenous grounding that incorporates traditional rhythms and melodies.

Payette has established himself as an award-winning storyteller in both theatre and film. His previous works, including Children of God, Les Filles du Roi, and Starwalker, have all premiered at The Cultch and gained national and international recognition. The collaboration with The Cultch, Urban Ink, and Raven Theatre marks another chapter in his impressive career, promising to deliver an innovative theatrical experience.

The Cultch, formally known as the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, has become a vital hub for diverse arts and culture in Vancouver. It presents a wide range of contemporary theatre, dance, music, and visual arts, engaging thousands of citizens annually. By providing a platform for cutting-edge local, national, and international work, The Cultch fosters artistic experimentation and development.

In celebration of the premiere, readers of The Tyee are invited to enter a contest to win two tickets to a performance of their choice, along with a $25 gift card to Social, located at 1812 Commercial Dr. For further details about the show, including ticket pricing options such as pay-what-you-choose previews and Indigenous ticket offers, interested individuals can visit The Cultch’s official website.

With On Native Land set to make its debut in April, audiences can look forward to an engaging exploration of Indigenous stories, resonating deeply with themes of identity and connection to land.