January 21, 2010 brought an enthusiastic audience to the Belfry Theatre. After the remarkable performance of Where the Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring, guests gathered in the lobby to celebrate Opening Night. Some of their interesting comments and photos follow.

Left: Billy Merasty (Floyd)  Middle: Margo Kane (June)  Right: Ben Cardinal (Mooch)

Top left: Billy Merasty is very happy to be part of this award-winning drama. He also looks forward to the national tour. "I could grow old in this part," he laughs. He calls the Belfry a cozy theatre, where actors can get comfortable and connect well with audiences.

Top, middle: This role won Margo Kane a Jessie award for Best Supporting Actress. "After 40 years in the business I'm so happy to be experiencing this," says Margo. "It is like an awakening, something I've been hoping and longing for years."

Top, right: Talking about his long acting career, Ben Cardinal says: "You do it for love.” Ben knows this play is "good theatre" because it makes people laugh and cry.

Top, left: Mary Desprez, General Manager of the Belfry, says:

This is a very important story, beautifully told. It's time for all Canadians to take a look at our real history and celebrate the achievements of our brothers and sisters.

Top, middle: Jeremy Jones is a member of the Youth Council of the Canadian Aboriginal Aids Network. "I consider this to be a momentous occasion,” he says. “The story being told brings a new understanding to the situation of aboriginal people." www.caan.ca

Top, right: Jason Burnstick, Composer and Musician, is on stage throughout the 90 minute play, Jason's original music gives voice to the poignant drama. "My first experience in theatre has been a life changing experience," says Jason. Each performance is unique and involves an energy exchange with the audience.

Far left: For Paddy Stewart, Honourary Chair of the Belfry Theatre, the play had a familiar feel. "Our family was in the ranching business," says Paddy.

"I know the area well and have frequented the now-famous Lytton Hotel".

Tom McBeath (At right with Erica Kurth) plays the Caucasian bartender. He praises the professional nature of the team. "We have all worked hard together and are proud of our product," says Tom. He commends Director Glynis Leyshon for her dynamic leadership.

"No wonder it won the 2009 Governor General's Award for Drama," comments Sue Donaldson. "The play creates empathy by presenting abstract ideas as an intimate parable."

Top, left: Sue Donaldson with daughter Miranda Noyes.

Miranda, who studies science at UVic was impressed by the acting:

"It was the first time a play has made me tear up and cry." 

Jennie Biltek

Event Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria  says: "I feel honoured to have seen this beautiful production." www.aggv.bc.ca

Top, right: Xane St Phillip teaches design at the Victoria Island School of Art.

Xane grew up in Kamloops and went to school with First Nations children. "I have learned so much about their situation from this story," he says.

Xane praises the play as subtle and non-threatening, but full of stellar insights like: "he doesn't know how to begin again." www.vancouverislandschoolart.com

LEFT: Andy Paul    CENTRE: Cathi Charles Wherry    RIGHT: Kate Cino

Andy Paul says: Beautiful! Authentic!

Cathi Charles Wherry is Arts Program Coordinator for the First Peoples' Heritage, Language & Culture Council. Cathi saw the play at the Magnetic North Festival two years ago and is impressed with the updated version. "Burnstick's music is like life-blood," says Cathi, "flowing through the viens of the drama." www.fphlcc.ca

Kate Cino says: "Thanks all for your warm smiles and interesting comments."

Janet Rogers,

poet and film-maker, says: "All people need to know this history. The essence of the play's message is well conveyed." www.janetmarierogers.com

Top, left: Ron Rice, President of Victoria Native Friendship Centre, adds: "Everyone should take a deep breath and go see this play.  It might be hard to conceive that this is real — but wonderful to consider we are beginning to recover from it." www.vnfc.ca

Erica Kurth (Left) with Andy Paul

Erica, board member of the Community Arts Council, found the play "absolutely wonderful and evocative". She was especially touched by the determination of the daughter to assert her love of family and move on to a brighter future.

Kim Harvey (Left) with Paul Scrivener

Paul Scrivener, Executive Director of the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria thought the play was superb.

"Only by entering darkness can pain be transcended," says Paul, "and the future faced with hope." www.cacgv.ca