REGINA — A historic performance venue in Regina is setting a new benchmark in its upcoming season of programming – with more Indigenous talent slated to hit the stage than ever before in its almost 100-year history.
“We’re committed to uplifting those artists that might not otherwise be seen. And it really matters to us to focus on Indigenous artists,” said Ruth Smillie, CEO of Dark Hall.
Darke Hall, a 470-seat performance hall at the University of Regina, has been operating for the last two years under the non-profit Darke Hall Society, focused on presenting and promoting work from talented artists who might not routinely be in the spotlight.
“Our goal is to lift up the voices of our local artists, and also showcase the works of Indigenous artists, marginalized artists, and women-led performances,” said Smillie.
The upcoming 2024-25 season at Dark Hall includes Dene sibling songwriters from the Northwest Territories, Sechile Sedare, on Feb. 2; Canadian Inuit folk music icon Susan Aglukark on March 21; British Columbia-based blues duo Blue Moon Marquee on April 9, and Pawâkan Macbeth on June 26 and 27 – a Cree take on the Shakespeare classic inspired by the youth of Frog Lake First Nation.
From April 16-17, Darke Hall will present ‘Bear Grease the Musical’ – an Indigenous takeover of the 1978 movie musical, Grease. The play was written by Crystle Lightning and Henry Andrade, who has been touring the show across Canada and the United States.
“We have things infused in the show that are relative to our people, our humour, our community. And often when we go to a certain community, we try to cater certain parts of the script to fit the narrative of that area,” said Melody McArthur, singer and actor who plays ‘Sandy’ in the play.
The play takes a look at an alternative reality, where the lives of Indigenous people in the 1950s are lived as if colonization didn’t happen.
McArthur said theatres striving to share Indigenous voices like Darke Hall is an act of Reconciliation.
“The placement of these theatres is often on Indigenous territory, unceded territory sometimes, or treaty territory where there’s an exchange between [First Nation] people and the Crown,” said McArthur. “So it’s almost like an obligation that should be fulfilled if you’re truly about Reconciliation.
Dawn Bergstrom, Darke Hall manager and curator, said in past years, the Indigenous artists they’ve featured at the theatre receive rave responses from audiences, with frequent requests to bring them back.
“It’s our job to bring these artists here and share their stories, which I think will resonate with the community,” said Bergstrom. “And there’s so much tremendous talent out there that has never been to Regina, so we want to welcome them here.”
Darke Hall is not interested in competing with the other major theatres in the city, such as the 2000-seat Connexus Arts Centre or the 900-seat Casino Regina Show Lounge, she said.
Instead, Darke Hall aims to create a more intimate connection with audiences.
To reach a wide audience, and fight against the post-pandemic drifting away from live theatre, Darke Hall is offering a special promotion for first-time visitors. Those not in their customer database can purchase a $40 pass which covers every performance at the venue for the entire month.
“We want to get people in the door. We find once people come, they want to come back,” said Smillie.
