Joey Tremblay Thought 12

Hello my name is Joey Tremblay, and this is thought number 12 Theatre in Canada, is one of that last standing bastions of colonialism. Still, in 2016 we have not managed to shake off the specter of our colonial history.  And worse we are totally reluctant to tear down the colonial system of how we make art.  We insist on prioritizing work and narratives that come from elsewhere, and we have a suspicion and a deep disdain, or a tendency to dismiss work created directly from a Canadian experience.  Locally created work is still considered alternative to the colonial mainstream.  If you think I'm exaggerating, just take a gander and see how non-present First Nations work is within a Regional theatre's programming.  As we know, the system of colonialism had never been that friendly and inviting towards First Nations people.  And, also, at the same time, it has never been that interested in the perspective of new Canadians or settler culture either.  In fact, New Canadian Plays, are still in 2016 relegated to the margins of the practice, as we again, prioritize and fund and stage the cultural accomplishments from Britain, from America and sometimes even from Europe.  And if you live in a small region like Saskatchewan, we even prioritize the work of larger centers within our own nation.  HEY! In 2017, I want to break free of colonial shackles. I'm vowing to prioritize and celebrate, and promote and create work that springs from the culture of Here. . . of this place. . . Of my home.