THE CHEMICAL VALLEY PROJECT Comes to Summerworks 2017

Premiering at the 2017 Summerworks Festival, The Chemical Valley Project is an innovative documentary-theatre solo-performance that investigates Canada's energy infrastructure and the role of all Canadians in reconciliation. The show focuses on the efforts of the Aamjiwnaang land defenders Vanessa Gray and Lindsay Gray to protect their community's land, air, and water against the negative impacts of Canada's petrochemical industry.

Created by Broadleaf Theatre's Julia Howman and Kevin Matthew Wong - and performed by Kevin Matthew Wong - the show incorporates a unique blend of documentary footage, projection design and miniature object puppetry. As Canada gears up to celebrate its 150th birthday, The Chemical Valley Project questions the foundations of 21st century Canada in light of ongoing environmental racism and the experiences of indigenous people. The Chemical Valley Project runs from August 3 - 13, 2017 at the Pia Bouman-Scotiabank Theatre as part of the 2017 Summerworks Festival. Tickets $15 - $35, available at the Summerworks box office and online. www.broadleaftheatre.com.

Located outside of Sarnia, Ontario, the Aamjiwnaang First Nations reserve and its 800 residents are smothered by one of the country's largest petrochemical corridors: The Chemical Valley. Siblings Vanessa Gray and Lindsay Gray have dedicated themselves to fighting the pollution threatening their community's health, safety, and future. In The Chemical Valley Project, theatre makers and friends Julia Howman and Kevin Matthew Wong document Vanessa and Lindsay's journeys as land defenders and water protectors and their battles against environmental racism and colonization.

In a production that bridges the gap between documentary film and theatre, co-creators Kevin Matthew Wong and Julia Howman stage conversations between Kevin, Vanessa and Lindsay using recorded audio and video footage. A workshop performance of The Chemical Valley Project won Theatre Passe Muraille's fall 2016 Crapshoot! receiving praise for its captivating projections, visual magic, surprising theatricality, and vital message.

Since 2014, Broadleaf Theatre has produced original theatre productions that explore local, national, and global environmental issues from a Canadian perspective. Broadleaf Theatre creates immediate, accessible, and engaging theatre to raise awareness about local and little known environmental issues. www.broadleaftheatre.com.

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