THEATRE IN THE PARK

In July 2019, we partnered with Saskatoon’s SUM Theatre to bring Theatre in the Park to Regina for the first time for one outstanding performance. With ASL integration, The Young Ones brought out over 100 community members who described it as “truly magical,” “timely,” and “thoughtfully crafted.” Since then, we have been pleased to support a southern Saskatchewan tour of Theatre in the Park in 2021 and 2022.

2022’s wâhkôhtowin had performances in Regina’s Harbour Landing, North Central, Glencairn, Heritage, and Whitmore Park neighbourhoods, as well as the rural community of Indian Head. For nearly a decade, Sum Theatre’s Theatre in the Park has engaged Saskatoon communities, bringing neighbours together to share in an accessible theatre experience that expands their understanding of the world. 

Theatre in the Park shows are created by local artists and blend the magic of music and puppetry with relevant social issues. Wâhkôhtowin was inspired by the isolating effects of the previous two years, and how it has never been more important to provide people with a sense of belonging and connection in their community, this beautiful piece invites us to reflect on the questions: What happens when the connections break? When the community is fractured? How do we rebuild what's broken? 

The Cree teaching wâhkôhtowin refers to the kinship between all things. It is the belief that we are all connected, all related, and with that comes the responsibility to take care of each other. This belief extends to one’s relationship with the world, animals, and elements around us. Sum Theatre worked with cultural advisor Maria Campbell throughout the devising process.

Though this year’s show was “rain proof”, we were lucky to have cooperative weather, which resulted in 1,363 audience members attending the performances, many of which featured ASL interpreters to increase accessibility. Audience members shared that they were “mind-blown” and thanked us for “broadening their minds”—the best kind of feedback!

In true Sum Theatre tradition, the performance ended with an invitation to say hello to someone new and, once again, created an opportunity to connect with our neighbours in a safe, post-pandemic way utilizing pool noodles. Once again we were invited to remember that the best way to create positive change in our province is together.