Community Exchange Inspires New Play, The Martian and the Mound

Visitors to Altona’s Community Exchange often seek delightful conversation and the famous homemade carrot muffins from Joan Funk. On a Monday morning last year, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as two theatrical producers from Winnipeg, Gwendolyn Collins and Tanner Manson, arrived. They were on a mission to gather stories about community heritage, engaging with local residents to explore the rich tapestry of the region’s past, present, and future.

Under the guidance of enthusiastic volunteers, Collins and Manson connected with dozens of individuals, collecting narratives that would ultimately inspire a new theatrical production. They returned to Winnipeg with a wealth of material, which they entrusted to playwright Andraea Sartison. “We were like, ‘OK, sort through this and try and make a play out of all of this information,’” Collins explained, reflecting on the creative process.

Over the past 20 months, the team at One Trunk Theatre has transformed those stories into a compelling production titled The Martian and the Mound. This travelling road show emphasizes the journey as much as the destination, showcasing the community’s collective contributions. The production, featuring the talents of the local Candlewick Players, ran for three nights in October 2023 at the Krahn Barn in Neubergthal, an artistic venue curated by Margruite Krahn and veteran drama teacher Paul Krahn, who also plays a bison in the play.

The show has since moved to the Gas Station Arts Centre in Winnipeg, where it will run from tonight until Sunday. Each performance includes live instrumentation, featuring an original score composed by Paul Bergman and Andrew Braun, crafted in collaboration with the production team.

Although grounded in local lore, the plot of The Martian and the Mound takes a creative leap into the cosmos. The protagonist, Dr. Phoenix Albright, played by Devin Lowry from Darlingford, discovers a desolate landscape dotted with enigmatic earthworks. Drawn into the terrain, the archaeologist encounters spirits from the past, illuminating the area’s history before a significant transformation.

The narrative delves into themes of colonialism, environmental stewardship, and the essence of life in Manitoba. Vance Roberts, a 24-year-old actor from the Roseau River First Nation, notes that mounds like the one portrayed in the play often symbolize sacrifice or celebration, serving as markers of respect for the land.

In one poignant scene, Roberts’ character, Sage—the first to witness a sunrise over the Prairie—engages in dialogue with Dr. Albright. This interaction sets the stage for discussions surrounding the impact of colonization and the relationship between the community and the environment. Other scenes feature conversations with a cottonwood tree and a foot race highlighting the region’s agricultural history.

“Our mission is to always be creating new works from the ground up through a relationship-based approach,” Sartison remarked. This ethos was evident in a previous One Trunk production that followed astronauts sent to Mars in a bid to preserve humanity amid Earth’s decline. The Martian character has appeared in other One Trunk shows, hinting at the company’s aspirations to create an interconnected narrative universe for Manitoba.

Collins expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from the community, stating, “There was never anyone who said no when we asked if something would be possible. It was always, ‘Yes, we can make that happen.’ It’s this small-town, can-do attitude.” This collaborative spirit reflects the dedication of everyone involved—actors, designers, and musicians alike—creating a vibrant tapestry of local storytelling.

The Gas Station Arts Centre will host performances tonight and Saturday at 19:30, with a matinee on Sunday at 14:00. Tickets range from $20 to $30, allowing access to a unique theatrical experience that intertwines local narratives with imaginative storytelling.

As Ben Waldman, a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter, notes, the essence of this production lies in its ability to unite the community, celebrating the rich history and future aspirations of Manitoba. Each performance not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.