This production is close to my heart for many reasons. First, Sir John A.: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion is a heck of a good time, a mix of comedy and pointed historical criticism in the trademark style that we have come to expect from Drew Hayden Taylor. Juxtaposing John A lamenting days gone by and rationalizes his policies we follow two Anishinaabeg as they drive from their remote reserve to Kingston Ontario, the long-time home of Canada’s first Prime Minister.

I am also deeply indebted to an incredible team of students, colleagues, and professionals that have come together to make this production a reality. The success of this project can be measured by the coming together of the team, especially when the flu stuck the director (me) down for the final week of rehearsal. An exceptional act of community and collaboration took place, and the show is the result of the incredible confluence of immense efforts.

Finally I am pleased to note two significant facts about the team composition behind this production. This is an all Indigenous cast, a rarity if not a first in the mainstage Greystone season. Further, I am pleased to note that this production has been a pilot project connecting students with Indigenous theatre professionals. With the support of a generous donation we have been able to include costume designer Samantha McCue in our work, and her knowledge and hands on work with the students has been a fantastic opportunity for learning for all of us.

Thank you for coming to see Sir John A, I sincerely hope you enjoy the show. If you do, tell a friend!

Special thank you to Miranda Hughes-McKnight, Persephone Theatre, and Laddie and Shelley James W. and The Hairstyle Inn. Thank you also to Natasha Martina for offering guidance during Deneh'Cho's unexpected absence as well as Meika Taylor for helping to host Indigenous designer Samantha McCue. And a final thank you to David Edney for the generous donation that allowed us to reach out to Samantha.