Sask-written ‘The Herd’ graces Persephone Theatre after COVID-19 delay
Photo Credit: (Left to right) Deneh’Cho Thompson, Kathleen MacLean, Danny Knight, and Tracey Nepinak all perform in Kenneth T. Williams’ play ‘The Herd’ at Persephone Theatre. The show runs until Feb. 26, 2023. (PHOTO: Electric Umbrella / Liam Richards)
Matt Olson – February 10, 2023
It’s coming a couple years later than expected, but Saskatchewan playwright Kenneth T. Williams’ new play The Herd is finally making its way to Persephone Theatre.
Originally scheduled to be part of the 2020-2021 season, the planned world premiere of The Herd at Persephone Theatre was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Director Roxanne Dicke, who wasn’t attached to the original production, said she was “honoured” to now be involved with bringing the show to a Saskatoon stage.
“It’s a beautiful piece,” she said.
The play follows a Saskatchewan First Nation that must grapple with questions of science versus tradition as twin white bison calves are born into the First Nation’s herd — and national media excitement brings unprecedented attention to the community. An Indigenous scientist caring for the herd (played by Kathleen MacLean) must balance the weight of those two expectations as they deal with the historic bison birth.
