Playwright’s Note: Thunderstick

Comedy is Tragedy plus time – Carol Burnett.
I wrote Thunderstick ten years ago at a time when most Canadians were ignorant of Indian residential schools. I wanted to write a play about the schools that didn’t shy away from the pain but could also make you laugh. That’s crazy, I can hear you thinking. Why would you try such a damn fool thing like that? Because I love an impossible challenge, that’s why. Okay, so I’m not the smartest duck in the pond, but I know humour heals. It’s been scientifically proven. If you can’t trust scientists, who can you trust? The government?
The crazy has been contagious. I’m writing this only after a week of rehearsals and I’ve laughed like I’ve never laughed before. Watching Lorne and Craig bring Isaac and Jacob to life has been a gut-busting experience. I thank them for their hard work and insane commitment to doing both roles. The insanity doesn’t stop with them as Del and Brad agreed to co-produce and co-direct, thank you both for your bravery and foolhardiness. I also need to thank the original producers, Donna Heimbecker and Kennetch Charlette from the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company for making Thunderstick their very first professional production in 2001.
Thank you,
ktw