Children of God is a powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children are taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario. Julia and Tommy struggle to survive in the harsh environment of a religious school that is determined to rob them of their identities while their mother, Rita, never stops trying to get them back. The impact of this experience on the lives of all of them is profound and devastating, yet the story moves toward redemption. Children of God offers a thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities, celebrating resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit.
News & Reviews
“Children of God is must-see theatre for Canadians.” —Globe & Mail
“Powerful and profound… This is theatre that resonates on a deep emotional level.” —Ottawa Citizen
“A significant success… beautiful and very powerful.” —Vancouver Sun
“This powerful musical explores the residential school experience from the point of view of siblings Tommy, as a child and as a survivor, and Julia, and their friends. The play exposes the wrongs done while celebrating the resilience of the Indigenous cultural spirit.” —Prairie Books Now
About the Author
Corey Payette is proud of his Oji-Cree heritage from Northern Ontario. He has worked across Canada as a playwright, actor, composer, and director, and is the winner of the John Hirsch Prize, two Jessie Awards, and two Ovation Awards. Corey’s work includes the original musical Children of God (book/music/lyrics & direction) which premiered in 2017 and has toured extensively since, Les Filles du Roi (music and direction, with co-book/lyrics with Julie McIsaac), which was written in English, French, and Kanien’kéha (Mohawk), and Sedna (music composition and direction, co-created with Reneltta Arluk and Marshall McMahen). Corey is the Artistic Director of Vancouver’s Urban Ink, past Artist-in-Residence with English Theatre at Canada’s National Arts Centre, and the founding Artistic Director of Raven Theatre. He was the past Grand Chief of the Board of Directors of the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance. Corey lives on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl’ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.
Children of God – A Musical by Corey Payette (Trailer)
Gimikwenden Ina by Corey Payette sung by Chor Leoni and the 2018 VanMan Choral Summit massed choirs
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