The new artistic director of the Young Peopleās Theatre in Toronto is inspiring youth both on and off the stage.
āI have to be responsible for opening up new doors, opening up new pathways and creating relationships with communities that are often forgotten or neglected,ā Anishinaabe actor and playwright Herbie Barnes told Ā鶹“«Ć½.
A member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Ontarioās Manitoulin Island, Barnes is the first Indigenous person to lead the famed youth theatre, which has seen the likes of Drake and Kiefer Sutherland perform on its stage. In his new role, Barnes not only makes plays for young people, but is also a teacher and mentor.
āI keep trying to encourage young writers to stop writing from the victim point of view, and start writing about our heroes,ā Barnes said.
The was formed in 1966 and is the largest theatre of its kind in Canada. Since 1977, it has been housed in a heritage building in downtown Toronto that is currently undergoing a $13.5-million makeover: the companyās largest ever expansion project.
The theatre is offering online programming for now, but when renovations are complete and it reopens its doors to audiences this fall, will be on stage ā an arrangement fortuitously made before Barnes was brought on as artistic director.
āHerbie has a reputation as an amazing actor, an amazing facilitator and educator in the arts community,ā the theatreās executive director, Nancy Webster, told Ā鶹“«Ć½.
From musicals to stand-up comedy, Barnes has travelled across North America living his dream of performing ā a dream he had since he was a child. At Young Peopleās Theatre, he will be able to both entertain and help other children live that dream too.
āI think itās a huge honour,ā Barnes said.
With files from CTVNews.ca Writer Daniel Otis
