Finalist for the Indigenous Peoples’ Writing Award
Finalist for the Saskatoon Book Award
As a condition of his parole, Darren has been ordered by the court to live with his father, Wally, on the rez. The two have always had a contentious relationship: Wally is a problem drinker, and Darren’s got a short fuse. But Wally tells his son that he’s stopped drinking and started going to ceremony, and urges Darren to do the same. As old family secrets start to be revealed, the father and son grapple with complex issues.
Popcorn Elder is a drama with many layers. It examines the issue of “plastic shamans” who offer spirituality at a price. It looks at a community working to face its demons and heal past trauma. And at the heart of the play is the story of a father and son who are seeking connection and reconciliation. Through flashbacks, a combination of Cree and English, and an unforgettable cast of characters, Popcorn Elder tells the story of one family’s journey toward hope.
News & Reviews
“… the story of a father and son at a crossroads in a world of both real and false faith… unifying, cleansing and uplifting.” —Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
About the Author
Curtis Peeteetuce is Cree from the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation. He is a performer and writer who works in theatre, radio drama, music and film. His plays include the popular Rez Christmas story series, which ran for twelve years in Saskatoon, and Popcorn Elder. Peeteetuce won the Saskatoon and Area Theatre Award for Outstanding Male Performance for the role of Floyd in Where the Blood Mixes, and has been nominated as a playwright and sound designer. Curtis dedicates all his accomplishments to his beautiful son Mahihkan.
