About the Book
Children of God is a powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children are taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario. Julia and Tommy struggle to survive in the harsh environment of a religious school that is determined to rob them of their identities while their mother, Rita, never stops trying to get them back. The impact of this experience on the lives of all of them is profound and devastating, yet the story moves toward redemption. Children of God offers a thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities, celebrating resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit.
News & Reviews
“Children of God is must-see theatre for Canadians.” —Globe & Mail
“Powerful and profound… This is theatre that resonates on a deep emotional level.” —Ottawa Citizen
“A significant success… beautiful and very powerful.” —Vancouver Sun
“This powerful musical explores the residential school experience from the point of view of siblings Tommy, as a child and as a survivor, and Julia, and their friends. The play exposes the wrongs done while celebrating the resilience of the Indigenous cultural spirit.” —Prairie Books Now
About the Author
Corey Payette is proud of his Oji-Cree heritage from Northern Ontario and has worked as a playwright, actor, composer, and director across Canada. He is the Artistic Director of Urban Ink (Vancouver), past Artist-in-Residence with National Arts Centre (NAC) English Theatre, and founder of Raven Theatre. Credits include: Children of God (Urban Ink, NAC, The Cultch, Citadel Theatre, Western Canada Theatre), Moonlodge (Urban Ink/NAC), Out Town (Caravan Farm), Les Filles du Roy (Fugue/Raven/Urban Ink), and Sedna (Caravan Farm Theatre). His original Musical Children of God continues to tour, and his next new musical has been commissioned by Bard on the Beach (Vancouver). Corey lives in Vancouver.
