- Yukon News
Lucky Feet, a young silver miner, dreams of dancing in the Carnaval. All he must do is make a deal with the King of the Underworld and stop his father’s revolution; then his dream will come true. Carnaval, where tragedy is beautiful, and sadness is celebrated. Carnaval premiered on May 16, 2007 outdoors at Raven Recycling in Whitehorse, produced by Gwaandak Theatre and Nakai Theatre.
| Fernanda, Miner, Other | Brian Fidler* |
| Bolivia, Other | Dave Haddock |
| Ernesto, Miner, Other | Tanya Marquardt |
| Chivito, Other | Keriann Cardinal |
| El Tio, God, Miner, Other | Reneltta Bourque |
| Lu-Anne Walker | Keriann Cardinal |
*Actors appear with the permission of the Canadian Actors Equity Association
Thank you for special permission from Russell Wallace for use of the late Flora Wallace’s recording of The Grandmothers’ Song.
| Director | David Skelton |
| Prod. Manager/Lighting Designer | Dean Eyre |
| Rehearsal Stage Manager | Ryan McCallion |
| Production Stage Manager | Beth Grieve |
| Set and Prop Design | Veronica Verkley |
| Costume Design | Alyson Stopps |
| Music Director/Composer/Performer | Paul Lucas |
| Artistic Associate | Heather Jones |
| Front of House Manager | Craig Marcuk |
| Assistant Production Manager | Bruce Germain |
| Production Assistant | Joseph Tisiga |
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It all started over a double-double at a Whitehorse Tim Horton’s. My new friend from Bolivia, Jose Martinez, said to me, “let me tell you about Carnaval in my home town.”
I eventually traveled to Bolivia, saw the Carnaval in the ancient mining town of Oruro, and had a glimpse into my friend’s life as a modern Bolivian. Different “isms” – Incan animism, Catholicism, socialism, capitalism – have been thrust upon the people of Bolivia by outsiders for five centuries. But somehow, people like my friend Jose manage to not be crushed by the weight.
At Carnaval, these different layers somehow get mixed together into something wonderful and completely mystifying. The Carnaval of Oruro is a celebration in the face of a tragic history of slavery, conquest, and the whims of higher powers. You could say it’s a celebration of tragedy itself. Seeing it was an unforgettable experience. So began the journey of Carnaval, the play.
This play is also my journey into different worlds of theatrical language and style. I’d like to thank those who have taken the journey with me: Ann-Marie Kerr, Heidi Taylor, Patti Flather, David Skelton and our wonderful, hard-working performers.
I would also like to thank Playwrights Theatre Centre (Vancouver), Banff playRites Colony (a Canada Council, Banff Centre for the Arts and Alberta Theatre Projects partnership), Canada Council for the Arts, Yukon Advanced Artist Award and Yukon Arts Fund for their support in developing this play.
