About the Play:

Children of God is a full-length musical drama by Corey Payette. A gorgeous, powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to residential school. The story of Rita, a mother never let past the school's gate, and her children, who never knew she came, as they push towards redemption. Children of God is a thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities that celebrates resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit.

Children of God is a powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children are taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario. Julia and Tommy struggle to survive in the harsh environment of a religious school that is determined to rob them of their identities while their mother, Rita, never stops trying to get them back. The impact of this experience on the lives of all of them is profound and devastating, yet the story moves toward redemption. Children of God offers a thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities, celebrating resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit. Inspired by the music of First Nations people, the moving score by Corey Payette also includes echoes of Broadway masterpieces.

Children of God premiered in 2017 at the York Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. After a very successful run, the production was mounted on the Mainstage Theatre at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Ontario before touring the production across Canada.

Cast: 6 female, 3 male (with doubling)

What people say:

"Children of God is must-see theatre for Canadians." — The Globe and Mail

"Powerful and profound… This is theatre that resonates on a deep emotional level." — Ottawa Citizen

"A significant success…beautiful and very powerful." — Vancouver Sun

About the Playwright:

Corey Payette is a First Nations playwright of Oji-Cree heritage from Northern Ontario. The Artistic Director of Vancouver-based Urban Ink Productions, he has worked as a playwright, actor, composer, and director across Canada.