The Unplugging sparks debate by casting non-aboriginal actors in indigenous roles – CBC

Mar 26, 2015

Playwrights and actors divided on choice made by Toronto theatre company

A play that has non-indigenous actors in roles of indigenous characters is creating controversy and discussion on social media amongst the theatre community across the country.

The Unplugging runs until April 5 in Toronto. It tells the story of two aging indigenous women who are cast out of their village in a post-apocalyptic world. Through their shared traditional knowledge and friendship, the women have to decide between community and isolation when a young man comes into their lives.

“We talked about the casting, made a list which included not only the indigenous actors ‘of a certain age’ but actors from the larger multicultural community,” said Algonquin playwright Yvette Nolan, who made casting decisions along with director Nina Lee Aquino.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/the-unplugging-sparks-debate-by-casting-non-aboriginal-actors-in-indigenous-roles-1.3007705