Manitoba's only indigenous theatre company goes solo on Ellice

Manitobas only indigenous theatre company is striking out on its own this week, ending an 11-year partnership with the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.

We have to grow up and move out into the world, said Columpa Bobb, the artistic director of the Urban Indigenous Theatre Company. [We] have been the sole consecutive producer of aboriginal theatre, but now its our first venture out.

The UITC will hold its first ever show at the Bandwidth Theatre (formerly the Ellice Theatre) Wednesday night with Fabric of the Sky, a play that looks at the mental and physical breakdown of a man who went through the residential school system and hid it from his family for years.

The company has long been a training ground for young, aboriginal youth. It grew out of an after-school program aimed at getting more aboriginal students into the arts.

Part of the reason for building an urban indigenous theatre was so that we could create an entry-level professional position for former students, said Bobb, explaining the company has senior artists mentor junior artists through the process.

Now, after years of growth, the company is trying to make it on its own, without the help from a big-name partner like the MTYP.

The new venue has fewer seats to fill, but everyone involved is watching ticket sales closely.

Theres a ton of people wanting to see Fabric of the Sky because of home-grown author, playwright Ian Ross, said Columpa, whos also directing the play.

But the company isnt staking everything on the success of Rosss play they also have an afternoon show for kids about two mice who go on a journey of self-discovery, with a little help from a frog.

Its a story about two mouse friends who go on a journey of discovery and adventure, said Bobb, who co-wrote and directs the play. We have schools buying full shows.

The shows run Wednesday through Sunday and tickets run $12.50 for adults and $10 for children.

Columpa said she hopes theatre-goers will follow them to the new venue, adding You wont find a better cast and crew bar none native or non.