Beyond Eden

 Photo from The Walrus

If you happen to be in Calgary from now until March 7th, than you should really check out this show, Beyond Eden. It is a musical theater based on the expedition of a young anthropologist/archaeologist Wilson Duff and his Haida friend, Bill Reid. Yes the famous, awesome artist Bill Reid.

Bill Reid had quit his job with the CBC and had begun to explore his Haida ancestry, teaching himself how to carve and the art of jewelry making. Over the next 50 years Reid’s work embraced many art forms reaching international acclaim. But perhaps more importantly, he rekindled Northwest Coast art and culture and has inspired Aboriginal people worldwide to be proud of their heritage. Following the 1957 expedition, Wilson Duff began a spirit quest into the heart of the Haida Nation. His discoveries inspired anthropologists everywhere to see Indigenous peoples in a very different light than they had been viewed in the past.

This show is at Theatre Calgary only until March 7, 2010 with tickets from $41 and $21 for students. It was previously in Vancouver and I just *hope* it makes it's way to Toronto.

N.B. Theatre Calgary 'Beyond Eden' page