Belfry Theatre aims for more Indigenous presence on stage

The Belfry Theatre Society has embarked on a journey to enhance the relationship among the theatre, Indigenous artists and members the community with the launch of its new Indigenous exchange program.

In partnership with Full Circle: First Nations Performance, the society is looking to support graduates of the First Nations Aboriginal Ensemble to join the Belfry Theatre as paid associates.

“While the numbers are growing, Indigenous representation in theatre is still fairly lacking,” said Ivan Habel, executive director for the society. “Our hope is that we can start a conversation about including more Indigenous artists and their works in the performing arts.”

The program will offer associates residencies at the theatre company, so individuals can gain experience — and receive mentorship — in areas of stage performance, design, construction or administration.

The project has resulted in the creation of a new Indigenous cultural adviser position.

“My new role is to build connections between the theatre and the Indigenous arts community,” said Kristy Charlie, from WSÁNEC territory on the Saanich Peninsula and the village of Tseycum First Nation. “It is an opportunity for both parties to learn from each other.”

In her role as a cultural adviser, she has already provided cultural-competency training to staff, making them aware of Indigenous practices and how they pertain to theatre.

The position is unique among theatre companies in Canada.

“It is perhaps the first in Canada,” said Charlie, a graduate of Camosun College’s Indigenous Business Leadership program.

Charlie will serve as the liaison between the theatre and Indigenous guest artists, and provide support for participants in the Indigenous exchange program.

Word of the program has spread, and expressions of interest have come from performing arts groups from across the country.

Funding for the program was provided by the Victoria Foundation.

“We can’t stress how appreciative we are of the support of the Victoria Foundation for this program,” Habel said.

“This was our critical start-up year. We couldn’t have gotten to this stage of the program without the level of support they extended.”

For more information, go to belfry.bc.ca.

Cultural adviser Kristy Charlie, seen outside the Belfry Theatre, says her role is “to build connections between the theatre and the Indigenous arts community.”