About the Play:

Bentboy is a full-length drama by Herbie Barnes. A heroic First Nations tale about about the journey of two young men, one destined to be the leader of his tribe, the other has a curved back and walks with the help of a stick. Each on their own path, the boys are faced with various elements of nature that hold them back forcing them to improvise and trust each other. In their attempts to overcome these obstacles, the boys discover their own strengths and work together to return to their village, only to be faced with another revelation, one that will bring the tribe together.

Bentboy begins deep in a forest, in a time of "pre-contact", meaning before European settlers arrived on the shores of North America, with a child called Bentboy because his spine is bent like the creek. Hunched and hobbled by his curved back, Bentboy walks with the help of a stick. Shunned and ignored by his village, he's content to spend time with himself. Until one day, when a dangerous threat to the community and their way of life is imminent, he is chosen by elder Eagleseye as the unlikely warrior to embark on a quest to save the village from grave danger. And so begins his epic adventure, and a tale both treacherous and tender. Along the way, Bentboy encounters an uninvited companion, Eagleseye's own athletic grandson, Hummingbird, and the two are plunged into a world that comes to life in perilous and astonishing ways. On this journey, the boys face off against nature and all of its wonders as they try to find the hidden box – a box which will save the village. Along the way they also discover each other's strengths and weaknesses, resulting in the boys learning to respect and trust one another, and the wisdom in the world around them.

Bentboy was workshopped at Young People's Theatre (YPT) in Toronto and the full production premiered in 2022 at Ada Slaight Stage, the first production in YPT's expanded and renovated theatre complex.

Cast: 1 female, 2 male, plus several others who play various roles

What people say:

"The simple story – about empathy, understanding and seeing things through others' eyes – has an archetypal quality about it, and Barnes mixes up his serious message with plenty of humour…The message the characters impart about using intelligence instead of anger and violence to deal with the unknown is one people of all ages could take to heart." — NOW Magazine

"Through Bentboy, Barnes offers us a story of hope in the face of monumental enemies. We can use some hope these days." — Prairie Books NOW

About the Playwright:

Herbie Barnes is the Artistic Director of Young People's Theatre (YPT), Canada's oldest and largest professional theatre company for young audiences. An Anishinaabe theatre artist from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island, he is an accomplished Canadian playwright, performer, director and arts educator whose 30-year-career spans stages across North America. He has written several plays for both adults and young audiences.