Calgary area teacher brings Peter Gabriel’s music to life in a collaboration with the Calgary Civic Symphony

For one night only, the widely acclaimed production of New Blood is coming to life in a new way as the Calgary Civic Symphony will perform the music of Peter Gabriel live. The show is inspired by the story of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, a man who suffered in residential schools, reclaimed his life, and became chief of his people. Since 2014, the show has travelled across Alberta and other western provinces. However, one audience will get to experience the show with a live orchestra as it takes the stage of the Jack Singer Concert Hall on June 15. We caught up with the director of the show, Deanne Bertsch, to learn more about New Blood and its collaboration with the Calgary Civic Symphony.

Tell us about the story of the New Blood Dance Show and why it’s important to share.

New Blood is important because it is the story of one man, Vincent Yellow Old Woman. It’s his story of going through residential school dealing with alcoholism, finding, healing, and becoming chief of his people. It is also important because it is a show that was created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people collaboratively. The show helps people to understand and feel what it was like to attend residential schools. It’s also important to share because at the end of the show, there is a talk-back. It gives people the opportunity to ask questions of the performers and amazing discussions happen. It is a true example of reconciliation.

What should Calgarians expect to learn and feel at the show?

Calgarians will feel empathy towards Indigenous people. They also might feel a sense of awe after experiencing Peter Gabriel‘s music, George Littlechild’s art, beautiful movement, and Eulalia Running Rabbit’s narration of the poem, words to a grandchild. Mostly, I think people leave the show with a greater understanding of why residential schools impacted Indigenous people in such a profound way.

What has your experience as director of the show been like?

My experience as director of the show has been a journey of learning. I grew up in Lethbridge next to the largest Reservation in Canada, the Blood Nation. I had never met an Indigenous person until I was in my 20s. I had never heard about residential schools until I was in my 30s. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to get to know the Blackfoot people in the New Blood cast and call them my friends. I have been so lucky to be invited to different events at Siksika Nation which have given me greater insight and understanding of the Blackfoot culture. It has been challenging. Taking this show to as many places as we have gone, to coordinate all the people and tech, but it has been worth it. I feel this show is one of the most important things I have had the opportunity to be a part of.

How did the collaboration with the Calgary Civic Symphony come to be?

The collaboration with The Calgary Civic Symphony happened because when we were performing at Rosebud Theatre last March during the talk-back, someone asked what is my dream for the show and I responded that I would love to take it across Canada, perform with Peter Gabriel, and have the show performed with live music. A man in the audience said I will try to make your dreams come true. His name was David Wartman, and he was the president of the Civic Symphony board. He has worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.

What difference will a live orchestra make at the show?

I think having the live orchestra will take this show to a whole new level. The orchestration of the New Blood album is very evocative and ethereal and ties into our story so important. I am so excited about this opportunity!