Hardline Productions presents the world premiere of its historical drama REDPATCH, March 29 – April 9, 2017 at Presentation House Theatre and April 12 – 16, 2017 at Studio 16. Opening on the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the moving production follows the story of a young Métis volunteer solider from the Nuu-chah-nulth nation of Vancouver Island deployed to fight in the First World War. Set in both Canada and the battlefields of France, REDPATCH traces the journey of this young solider as he endures trench warfare and discrimination as a result of his aboriginal heritage.
The creation of REDPATCH necessitated extensive research into a number of niches, including the history of WWI, First Nations cultural practices, and the obscured history of aboriginal volunteering and enlistment in the war efforts. To ensure the story was faithfully told, Calvert and Oliver – who also directs the work – spent as many hours in libraries as they did travelling out to remote First Nations communities, including Nootka Island, which their fictional protagonist calls home.
Close to four thousand Native men (Aboriginal, First Nations, Métis) served in the Canadian Forces in the Great War, an extraordinary number given the limited civil rights accorded to these people at the time. Canadian Federal policy extended many post-war benefits to First Nations veterans, however since many men had given up their status in order to enlist, these veterans were denied any benefits upon their return to Canada.
The title of this work, REDPATCH, is drawn from an incident at the Battle of Somme. Canada was still part of the British Empire in 1916, and British officers were having difficulty distinguishing their men from the colonial armies who fought alongside them. To distinguish the Canadian First Division, who wore similar uniforms to British, a single red patch was applied to their left shoulders.
In honour of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge this April 9, 2017, Hardline Productions will host three ceremonial presentations prior to their performance of REDPATCH on April 7, 8, and 9 at 8pm. The ceremonies will consist of blessings by Bob Baker, First Nations Cultural Advisor, Performer and Co-founder of Eagle Song Dancers; Captain Robert MacDonald, CD FSA Scot, Curator Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Museum and Archives; and Nyla Carpentier, Assistant Director and Cultural Consultant of REDPATCH.
Hardline Productions presents REDPATCH
Dates: March 29 – April 9, 2017
Presentation House Theatre
333 Chesterfield Ave, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 3G9
Pre-Show Ceremonial Presentations: April 7, 8, 9, 2017 at 8pm
Post-Show Talkback hosted by Sean Harris Oliver: April 7, 2017
April 12 – 16, 2017
Studio 16
1555 7th Ave. West Vancouver, BC, V6J 1S1
Post-Show Talkback hosted by Sean Harris Oliver: April 13, 2017
Ticket prices: $15 to $33
Box Office: Presentation House Theatre: phtheatre.org/box-office/tickets
Studio 16: theatrewire.com
Website: hardlineproductions.ca
