Photo credit: Ben Laird
If Inner Elder is any indication of what’s ahead this summer, Port Stanley Festival Theatre audiences are in for an incredible season.
Written and performed by award-winning Cree artist Michelle Thrush, Inner Elder brings something refreshingly different to the PSFT stage, an intimate, deeply personal story told with honesty, humour, and heart.
Running just over an hour with no intermission, the one-woman show proves that you don’t need a large cast or elaborate set to leave a lasting impression.
Through powerful storytelling and emotional vulnerability, Thrush draws the audience into her experiences growing up in Alberta with alcoholic parents while also exploring the lasting effects of generational trauma caused by Canada’s residential school system.
While the subject matter is undeniably heavy at times, Inner Elder never feels overwhelming. Thrush masterfully balances difficult truths with moments of genuine comedy, giving audiences permission to laugh even during the more emotional moments.
What makes the production especially compelling is its authenticity. Nothing about the performance feels forced or overly theatrical.
The staging itself is simple but effective. The set remains largely unchanged throughout the performance, with a handful of props helping guide the audience through memories that span generations. That simplicity allows the focus to remain squarely on Thrush and her commanding presence on stage.
Another thoughtful touch is the smudging of the theatre before each performance, a meaningful addition that helps ground the production in Indigenous culture and ceremony before the story even begins.
Adding even more value to the experience is the Talk Back session following each performance, where audience members can ask questions and connect directly with Thrush. It transforms the evening from simply watching a play into participating in a larger conversation.
During our post-show Talk Back, Thrush joked that “white people” are often hesitant to laugh during certain scenes, despite the humour being intentional, a comment that perfectly captures the delicate balance she achieves throughout the performance.
Inner Elder is funny, emotional, eye-opening, and deeply human. Three performances remain, Friday, May 29th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 30th at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are still available, and I encourage anyone wishing to take steps towards Truth and Reconciliation to attend this show.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
Please note that the views expressed in this piece are based on my own experience and opinion
