Lori Marchand appointed managing director of Indigenous theatre at NAC

January 23, 2018

By Nadya Pankiw

Back in high school, Lori Marchand thought theatre was an impractical career path for her. Now, after recently being appointed as the first managing director of Indigenous theatre at the National Arts Centre, Marchand believes this has been her path all along.

“The most amazing thing is that the board and staff of the NAC have created this opportunity for Indigenous leaders on the national stage, and when those voices have been systemically– and systematically silenced for decades– I can barely find words to express how overwhelmed and grateful I am that this opportunity exists,” said Marchand.

Lori Marchand has been appointed the first managing director for Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre. Photo by Barbara Zimonick.

Marchand, a member of B.C.’s Okanagan First Nation, was named to the new NAC position on Dec. 13 and will begin working in Ottawa this spring.

At four years old, Marchand was immersed in the preforming arts. Her involvement in ballet, piano, and eventually theatre had her “bitten by the bug at a very early age.”

By the time university came around, Marchand pursued an English degree at the University of British Columbia and enrolled in every theatre-related class she could find.

After graduation, Marchand met David Ross, a prominent figure in Canadian theatre. The pair kept in touch, which led Marchand to her current position as the executive director of the Western Canada Theatre.

“I started here in July of 1999 and have never looked back,” Marchand said in a phone interview.

With almost 19 years of experience with the Western Canada Theatre behind her, Marchand will be using those skills in a new role across the country.

Marchand said she would like to focus on training and mentorship opportunities within the Indigenous community to create expertise in artistic roles such as directors, designers, stage managers and producers.

The NAC announced it was creating the department of Indigenous theatre in March 2016. The new department is set to unveil in the fall of 2019, in time for the NAC’s 50th anniversary.

“This new programming stream will not be limited to theatre, and will also embrace music, dance and other preforming arts forms,” said Carl Martin, the NAC’s director of communications.

Marchand said Indigenous theatre at the NAC will help with efforts towards reconciliation between Canada and its First Peoples.

“I truly believe that in order to achieve reconciliation that we need to tell the stories on a broader scale and in a way that everyone can understand them and relate,” said Marchand.

“It is the human experience of theatre that I believe is so impactful.”

Suzanne Keeptwo, a freelance Indigenous content consultant, said the new department is another step towards creating a narrative for Indigenous theatre in which audiences can feel included.

“There’s a great opportunity here and I hope it’s not a missed opportunity,” said Keeptwo.

Keeptwo said the new department is a chance to bring Indigenous artists and experiences into the broader theatrical society.

“I’m hoping for the best. I’m hoping for an Indigenous theatre that truly aims to serve Indigenous audience members, as well as obviously non-Indigenous audience members,” said Keeptwo. “Because ultimately that Indigenous theatre has to sustain itself and that I think is going to be a challenge.”

Marchand takes on her new role in April and says she looks forward to coming back to Ottawa and creating a safe space for Indigenous work and making Indigenous theatre a reality.