where the blood mixes at the Belfry
Where the Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring won the 2009 Governor General's award for Drama.
Loring weaves a powerful tale of lives affected by BC's residential schools, through the return of a long lost daughter. The setting is the village of Kumsheen (Lytton) traditional home of the Interior Salish actor and writer. Enlivened with evocative imagery, soundscapes, live music, stark drama and slapstick hilarity,
Where the Blood Mixes starts a national tour after the Belfry run January 19 - February 21.
"This play takes place on the riverbed, during the salmon run, in the heart of my people," says the author.
Kim Harvey plays Christine, the young woman who returns to Kumsheen after 20 years to find her roots. "I am the new member of the cast in this revival," she explains. A dedicated professional, Kim arrived at rehearsals well prepared. "The cast and crew are super," says Kim, "and working with Margo Kane (June) is a joy."
Christine’s opening words are:
I was born in the heart.
I was born in the deepest part.
In the middle of it all, I was born.
Director Glynis Leyshon, past artistic director of the Belfry, calls the play "fated to be" and "a story only Kevin could tell." The play opened in Vancouver on June 11, 2008, the day the federal government apologized to former students of the residential school program.
"It was a night to remember," says Glynis, "the story touched the pulse of the nation."
Photo: Belfry Theatre
Mooch (Ben Cardinal) talks to his buddy Floyd (Billy Merasty)
"Remember…when we were kids…I do. I remember everything. I never thought about it lots though, till now."
Photo: Belfry Theatre
Tom McBeath plays George the bar tender. In his opening scene he belts out:
Since my baby left me,
I found a nice place to dwell! The only hole I'd never leave, The Lytton Hotel
Margo Kane (June) won best supporting actress for this role in 2008. Seated centre in the photo, she acts as a conduit between father Floyd and his estranged daughter Christine.
Photo by David Cooper.
Where the Blood Mixes plays at the Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue, January 19 - February 21, 2010. Tickets: 250 385-6815. www.belfry.bc.ca
Web Design, Content and Photos: Kate Cino promoted arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria.
