The Mush Hole - November 17, 2018 Socrates Project Performance - McMaster University Black Box For bookings contact: santee@kahawidance.org Kaha:wi Dance Theatre will be touring starting in Fall 2019. The Mohawk Institute a.k.a. The Mush Hole is the oldest residential school in Canada, after which all others were modelled. Operated in Brantford, Ontario, on Haldimand Treaty Territory lands from 1828 to 1970, it served as an industrial boarding school for First Nations children from Six Nations, as well as other communities throughout Ontario and Quebec. Government and Church worked together in a concerted effort to assimilate First Nations children into European Christian society, with aims to sever the continuity of culture from parent to child. The schools also served as a tactic to access Indigenous resources in particular land. The Mohawk Institute residential school left a legacy of trauma, the extent to which is currently still being exposed. “The Mush Hole reflects the realities of the Mohawk Institute residential school experience and offers a way to open dialogue and to heal, through acknowledging and honouring the spirit of Survivors and the families that were and continue to be impacted. Weaving through the school rooms and grounds, we get a glimpse into the horrendous truths, inhumanity and brutality that 1000’s of Indigenous children endured. The residential school legacy is an issue that effects all Canadians today.” PRODUCTION CREDITS: Artistic Producer/Director/Performer: Santee Smith Cultural Advisors: Geronimo Henry, Thohahoken Michael Doxtater, Roberta Hill Performers: Jonathan Fisher, Julianne Blackbird, Montana Summers, Semiah Kaha:wi Smith Composition/Arrangement: Jesse Zubot Additional Composition: Adrian Dion Harjo Songs: “Find My May”, commissioned remix by Nick Sherman; “The Storm” by Iskwé; "I Saw The Light" by Hank Williams; "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" by Patsy Cline; T’will be Glory, Martin Family Singers from the album “Kaha:wi”.   Video Tech/Director: Ryan Webber Set/Lighting Designer: Andy Moro Costume Designer: Adriana Fulop Additional Costumes: Leigh Smith Rehearsal Support: Jesse Dell Set Construction: John Hobbs, Great Lakes Scenic Studios Production Support/Videographer: Shane Powless Production Stage Manager: Evan Sandham Theatre Technical Director: Patrick Brennan Voice-over: Rob Lamothe Creation Performers: Kennedy Bomberry, Brandon A. Oakes Production Support: Thru The Red Door, Art Gallery of Guelph Banff Centre for the Arts & Creativity ● Production Manager- Karin Stubenvoll ● Production Coordinator- Pia Ferrari ● Lead Video Technician- Jennifer Chiasson ● Video Practicum Participants: Kevin Oliver, Christopher Bussey, James MacKinnon ● Studio Technician, Cameraman, Video Actor - Aubrey Fernandez ● Audio Post Engineer- Edward Renzi ● Lead Animator: Sasha Stanojevic ● Animation and Design Practicum Participants- Rimsha Nadeem, Frank Seager ● Video Actor: Carver Kirby, Kevin Oliver Community Partners: Woodland Cultural Centre Graphic Designer: Inti Amaterasu Photographers: Ian R. Maracle The Mush Hole team acknowledges the support of The Socrates Project - McMaster University which brings together artists, scholars from across the disciplines, and diverse communities to engage in crucial conversations around the most pressing issues of our time. Championed by President Deane, The Project is made possible by a generous gift from Chancellor Emeritus L.R. “Red” Wilson. The Mush Hole acknowledges the generous support of Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council and the Hnatyshyn Foundation - REVEAL Indigenous Arts Award 2017 for Santee Smith.