By Times Chronicle Staff
Drawing from the true stories of Black Canadians, “Black & Rural” explores their lived experiences with “frankness and grace”.
At its core it is the story of a lone Black country woman struggling to defy the monolith of what matters to Black lives.
Derived from dozens of real-life interviews with Black folk tucked away in the countryside across Canada, Shayna Jones weaves together a story of vulnerability, quiet triumph, and striking humanity.
The show features Jones’ unique storytelling voice, interspersed with new folkloric tales and verbatim reflections from her interviewees.
“Pi Theatre has brought to the stage an exceptionally important piece of art …Black & Rural puts forward timeless tales and fresh perspectives,” said arts and culture magazine, Stir Vancouver of the performance.
“[Being black and rural to me means] being isolated in a lot of ways. But I think there’s another piece to it…we have the opportunity to bring stories into the space and bring [our] truth into a space. To bring something new just by existing…and while that can feel like a burden and isolating it can also be really exciting…,” said one of the interviewees from the Turner Valley, in Alberta.
Jones herself lives in the rural mountains of BC and talks of the privilege she has of being a full time mother to three children.
“Motherhood is my deepest work,” she says. “Though I often fail, I endeavour to live deeply, truthfully, simply, and beautifully. My work as a performance artist, and specifically as a Storyteller of African and African Diasporic Folklore, is woven into this endeavour.”
For her storytelling is a deeply spiritual act. “It is not only a way of communing with others, it is a way of reaching out to God my Creator, to my ancestors, and to the Mothers that went before me. It is my way of coming Home. If I am so blessed, I will share tales until I am buried in the ground. And perhaps even thereafter. What a glorious thing that will be,” Jones said.
Black & Rural is written, performed, and created by Shayna Jones and directed by Richard Wolfe.
The 65 minute (no intermission) show features strong language. For any questions or concerns contact [email protected]. The show is on at Venables Theatre on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. with tickets available on the Venables website.
