Performers in colorful costumes dancing on stage with vibrant lighting and a textured backdrop.

Bears

by Matthew MacKenzie

A multi-disciplinary dark comedy about the Trans Mountain Pipeline.

“I’ve never seen a play that speaks to issues facing Canada’s Indigenous peoples as effectively and beautifully as Bears does.”
— Jerry Saddleback, Cree Elder and Dean of Cultural Studies at Maskwacîs College

Bears is an ambitious, award-winning, multidisciplinary dark comedy. This evocative and innovative production uses bold emotional storytelling, enchanting projection, and a stunning cast of performers and dancers to tell the story of one man's perilous quest through the Rockies.

“You can’t really afford to miss Bears.”
— Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal

ABOUT

The prime suspect in a workplace accident, Floyd has to get out of town fast. Pursued by the RCMP, he heads through the Rockies for Burnaby, B.C, along the route of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline. By the time he reaches the Pacific, Floyd has experienced changes - his gait has widened, his muscles are bulging, his sense of smell heightened...

Written and directed by Métis playwright Matthew MacKenzie (SIA, The Particulars, The Other) and starring award-winning (and former tar sands worker) Métis theatre artist Sheldon Elter (Métis Mutt), BEARS asks “What the hell is going on in Wild Rose Country?”

Abstract image with blue light trails and figures

Photo by Alexis McKeown

“Bears will leave you breathless”
— Amanda Ghazale Aziz, NOW Magainze (NNNNN/5)

Unapologetically political, BEARS gives voice to the voiceless animals, and vulnerable landscapes, desecrated by the insatiable human desire for industrial expansion, while striving to increase dialogue about the devastating effects on Canada’s First Nations peoples.

An Indigenous-led new Canadian play told through dramatic storytelling and choreography, an eight person chorus, enchanting projections, and an evocative electronic soundscape, BEARS is an emotional, empathetic performance experience.

“Bears combines ingenuity, humour and a powerful message”
— Karen Fricker, Toronto Star (3.5 / 4 Stars)

ARTISTIC COMPANY

Written & Directed by Matthew MacKenzie

Choreography by Monica Dottor

Starring Sheldon Elter

Environmental Design by T. Erin Gruber

Original Musical Score by Noor Dean Musani

Patrick Lundeen - Associate Director 

Costume/Prop Design by Monica Dottor

Christine Sokaymoh Frederick - Artistic Producer

Sheiny Satanove - Producer
Lianna Makuch - Producer

Trent Crosby - Production Manager/Technical Director

Chorus performers have included: Skye Demas, Kendra Shorter, Gianna Vacirca, Shammy Belmore, Rebecca Sadowski, Lara Ebata, Zoe Glassman, Alida Kendell, Karina Cox

Awards & Accolades

  • Dora Mavor Moore Awards 2018 (Toronto)

  • Outstanding Production (Independent)

  • Outstanding New Play (Independent)

  • Co-winner of the Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award (2018)

  • 2018 winner of the Carol Bolt National Playwrighting Award

Production History

2021

Citadel Theatre - Maclab Stage - Edmonton, AB

October 21 - 31, 2021

2019

BEARS BY MATTHEW MACKENZIE (WITH ALBERTA ABORIGINAL PERFORMING ARTS)

  • VICTORIA @ THE BELFRY

  • TORONTO @ FACTORY THEATRE

  • WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR - WELLS BC, KAMLOOPS BC, CANMORE AB

2018

BEARS BY MATTHEW MACKENZIE (WITH ALBERTA ABORIGINAL PERFORMING ARTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE THEATRE CENTRE AND NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS)

  • TORONTO @ THE THEATRE CENTRE

  • TOUR - Edmonton, SADDLEBACK FIRST NATION, MASKWACIS FIRST NATION, CALGARY (DOWNSTAGE THEATRE), Vancouver (The Cultch), CANMORE (ARTSPLACE)

Media