New West Theatre explores family dynamics, assisted death and First Nations issues in their presentation of Tara Beagan’s dark comedy “Honour Beat,” which runs in the Sterndale Bennett Theatre, Oct. 5-14.
Director Valarie Planche is no stranger to Tara Beagan’s 2019 play about two very different and estranged sisters who try to mend their fences over their mother’s deathbed in Vancouver.
“ I directed it in 2019 in London, Ontario just before the pandemic. This is a completely new cast, and a completely new set design,” she said.
When you enter the Sterndale Bennett theatre you enter the middle of a forest set designed by Julia Wasilewski
Planche noted the mother is in a coma so the play takes place in her head.
“ Mom is in a coma, so a lot of it takes place in the magical realm. It’s been very fun because I got to go back to it,” enthused Planche, who is a Metis and did a lot of research the first time she did the play, which she expanded in for this production.
“It takes the audience to that place. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the afterlife,” she said, adding “Honour Beat ”allows her too imagine what that’s like.
The play explores issues of cultural identity and after life care.
“It‘s very funny. It’s relatable. There’s a lot of cry laughter because it’s got that hospital humour,” she said.
“ These two daughters couldn’t be more different and the mom wants them to reconcile as her deathbed wish,” she summarized.
There are a few nods to Blackfoot culture though the play takes place in B.C.
“Blackfoot culture is very different,” said Planche.
The play stars Brianne Tucker, Jeremy Proulx, Michaela Washburn and Sandra Lamouche.
Sandra Lamouche , who is a popular Southern Alberta hoop dancer steps outside her comfort zone to play the mom.
“That’s my hoop up there,” said Sandra Lamouche, indicating a black hoop hanging above her bed on stage.
“And there is some dancing in this play.”
She noted hoop dancing reflects the shapes of animals on traditional lands.
“Hoop dancing is about showing transformation, which is what this play also does,” said Lamouche, who is friends with playwright Tara Beagan.
She has met Beagan a few times and is friends with her on social media and read some of her plays while at University taking her BA From the U of L in Native American Studies and her masters degree at Trent University “Pimadisiwin (Seeking a Good Life) Through Indigenous Dance” which examines Indigenous Dance as a Social Determinant of Health and Well Being.
“ There is a stark contrast between hoop dancing and theatre. I’ve been hoop dancing for over 20 years. A friend told me about the play so I auditioned. I wanted to be part of this play to challenge me,” said Lamouche, who has been on TV and film as well as travelled as a hoop dancer.
“ I live in Fort Macleod and I wanted to perform somewhere local rather than travelling. There needs to be more opportunities for Indigenous theatre,” said Lamouche, who is exited to avail herself of this opportunity.
“ It’s about family and home. Even the fighting has been fun,” she said.
Planche hopes audiences will come out of the play with a better understanding of family, end of life issues and first Nations issues, but she mainly hope people will laugh.
“ If you have a relative you don’t get along with. How would you mend those fences,” she said.
“ Come. It’s funny.”
Honour Beat runs at the Sterndale Bennett Theatre Oct. 5-14 at 7:30 p.m. each night. The play is designed for 14 and up.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. beat editor
