Anishnawbek play opens in Sudbury this week, in support of local wellness initiatives

The Anishnawbek play 'Remains' is being showcased at Greater Sudbury’s Place Des Arts this week.

It is about the Ancestors turning two brothers towards truth and love for one another.

Those involved in the production told CTV News that at the core the play is about healing.

Rehearsals are already underway.

Angela Recollett is the CEO or E-niigaanzid of the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre in Sudbury, which is presenting the production.

She said she shared her uncle Mutty’s story and legacy with playwright Sarah Gartshore and the offering “remains” part of project – uncle came to life on stage.

“’Remains’ I think it's going to be a hard play to watch,” said Recollett.

“It speaks to the genocidal policy the Indigenous people had to face – but it also speaks to the survival of our human family because we all come from one human race.”

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Those involved with the production said it is a story about two brothers on a healing journey through original music, loss and love.

“You are going to see people who have built relationships with each other and you are going to see people who understand that you can go through really really difficult things and you can love through that and you can heal from that,” said Gartshore.

“People who come to the show are going to see brilliant actors who are very connected to the work. They are going to see brilliant globally celebrated musicians who we are really honoured that they agreed to be a part of this.”

The creator of the play said it is all about honouring men doing their best to heal not only for themselves but for their families and their communities.

“In community we are always uplifting the women and children in our spaces but often times we forget about the significance of the men and the role that they play,” said Recollett.

“I would like to uplift the men in our community because without healthy men we don't have healthy communities.”

Tickets are available online and organizers ask the community to pay what they can comfortably.

Proceeds from the play will support Anishnawbek wellness initiatives for both boys and men in the region.

For more information on the production and other activities, visit the health centre’s Facebook page.