Description

Today’s performance is a Pay What You Wish performance. PWYW tickets are available online, via phone or in person at the Box Office from 10AM on the day of the performance only (maximum 4 tickets per person; suggested contribution $10 each).

A Story of Hope
and Finding Light in Dark Places.

Witness hope and resilience onstage in The Mush Hole – an exquisite theatrical dance performance that illuminates a dark corner of Canada’s history. From 1828 to 1970, Indigenous children from Six Nations were torn from their families, stripped of their names, and forced to live at Brantford’s Mohawk Institute Residential School. Kids called it the Mush Hole for the appalling gruel they were fed.

From visionary director, choreographer, and producer Santee Smith, comes this powerful story, created from the testimonials of two generations of Survivors. With visceral performances from an all-Indigenous cast, immersive video, and a cinematic musical score, this five-time Dora Award-winner is one of Canada’s must-see productions.

“HEARTBREAKING, ASTONISHING and BEAUTIFUL.”
— On Stage Blog

“A VITAL TEACHING TOOL as we try to move forward with reconciliation.”
— Ilana Lucas, Mooney on Theatre

“This piece CONNECTS STRAIGHT TO THE HEART.”
— Twisi Theatre Blog

“A work of ASTOUNDING CRAFTSMANSHIP and COMPASSION.”
— Istvan Dugalin

“The Mush Hole is a story about hope and finding light in dark places. As much as it speaks to intergenerational trauma, it screams resilience. Every single element represented on stage comes from Survivors sharing their experiences with us.”

— SANTEE SMITH

Content Advisory
This production is a theatrical portrayal of the environment and experiences of students at the Mohawk Institute – a Canadian Indian Residential School. It depicts the memories and impacts on families and community of other Residential School Survivors. Their experiences include physical abuse, fighting, sexual abuse, emotional trauma, family conflict and substance abuse.

The production also contains: the brief use of a scented herbal cigarette and some flashing lights.