August 4th, the Promenade Community Radio posted a podcast segment on the Voice of The River: Grand River Community Play, including an interview with Director Peter Smith. Follow the link below to access the recording.
Click here to listen to the podcast
“We begin again… last night in Dundalk on a sunny and breezy evening we held a parade that traveled from the Town Hall to Memorial Park where we performed the Voice of the River. The parade were filled with the large puppets from Dunnville, from Paris, from Grace, from Dundalk and all communities between. There was flag waving, music provided by a 12 year old and our own Cathy Nosaty on her accordion. We gathered people from the street and put them in crow, fox, and kingfisher masks. We hooted, we howled, and we walk the streets more joined the parade. By the time we got to Memorial Park we were a community of beings who made a large circle with those in the Park and watched Dave as Pierre perform a song of songs in French and English. From there we performed in song, dance, scene and monologue. The Deputy Mayor, Barbara Dobreen, and Councilor Joan John of Southgate Township were in a scene that had Barb as Agnes Macphail (first woman elected to Canadian Parliament) and Joan, playing herself, the first Black woman elected to office in Grey County in an imagined conversation. It was grand and lovely and a story that needed telling. We packed up after the event and headed for our next port of call in GUELPH on Saturday August 2nd and the confluence of the Speed and Eramosa Rivers Join us if you can and keep going with the flow.”
– Peter Smith
“This project centers on storytelling in all its forms—through spoken word, song, dance, ceremonial practices, art installations, silent expressions, and various cultural perspectives, and has utilized technology. Importantly, while the project emphasizes creative expression, it also serves as an environmental experience. The Grand River is not just the subject of the storytelling; it is the venue, the backdrop, and ultimately a living, breathing participant.”
Idea Exchange published this article on July 28th to celebrate the Grand River and promote the Voice of The River: Grand River Community Play coming to Cambridge August 6th. To read the article visit the Idea Exchange website here
“THE VOICE OF THE RIVER met the TWO ROW ON THE GRAND at Caledonia on July 21st at the Fairgrounds. It’s the 10th year of the Two Row and it was also the first presentation of the Voice of the River Play. Canoes and kayaks were hoisted from the River as Cathy Nosaty played her accordion and members of the cast lent a hand. After the canoes were emptied and turned to dry we performed a few pieces from the play.
The Grand River glistened and flowed right behind us as the Prairie Grasses kicked things off in full regalia singing about the sun, then Grace and Tanis performed on stilts as two Great Blue Herons and were accompanied beautifully by Cathy on her accordion. Pierre, the Dundalk woodcutter, with support from the Mistresses of the Marsh wrapped things up with the song Down the River I Go.
Bree let folks know about the TWO WORDS on the TWO ROW artwork she was creating and asked folks to drop by and put down a couple of words on the sheet. The mayor of Haldimand then gave thanks – she’s on the paddle this year. And then there was a birthday cake celebrating 10 years of the Two Row on the Grand. The day ended with a book launch and an amazing discussion about the River, the Wampums, respect and love. I’ll close on our exciting first day of the tour with a happy acknowledgement to the many folks who showed up from other communities along the Grand. They were all smiles and happy to be a part of the celebration.
And lastly – a shout out to the amazing artist Lacie from the Creative Barracks in Dunnville. Cathy and I met Lacie before anyone else was in the park in the morning. She was there to deliver to us Grand Blue – a large heron puppet that is a power unto herself, and a reminder of what creativity is capable of. A great start as the adventure continues. Join us when you can!”
– Peter Smith
“The Play Project, co-produced by the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity and the Grandview Theatre Company, is helping fifteen communities along the river to celebrate their uniqueness and their common connection to a legendary Ontario river system.” JOHN BUTLER
Quilt Square by Artist Pam Burgess
The South Grey News published this article on July 21st to celebrate the Grand River and promote the Voice of The River: Grand River Community Play coming to Dundalk on July 31st. To read the article visit the South Grey website here
After a month-long display, The Grand River Community Play Exhibition at the Princess Twin Odeon Gallery has completed its showing.
It was a truly wonderful exhibit, which we were very happy to host! It also was the best exhibit we have seen in the gallery for quite some time. Congrats to all of you; the effort and love you’ve put into the project is evident.
~ Wendy Tutt, Princess Cinemas, KW’s Premiere Art House Cinemas
A big thank you to everyone who came by to support the project and a special thank you to the Princess Cinemas for hosting us.
Click here for more on the exhibit
Peter Smith
The Haldimand Press published this article on June 19th to celebrate the Grand River and promote the upcoming play. To read the full article click on the image or visit the Haldimand website
Come Join us anytime from July 23rd to August 23rd! See various tour dates and locations here.
We are pleased to share that The Voice of the River Quilt Project will be showcased all month long at the Princess Twin Odeon Gallery.
Exhibition Details
June 2 – June 30, 2025
Princess Twin Odeon Gallery
Open during gallery hours
Come on by!
Quilt co-ordinators Pat Flood and Sharon Gashgarian are still collecting squares, but the latest collection, with representation from up and down the river, is on display.
Also join us for a reception on Wednesday, June 11th from 6 – 8 PM for the Voice of the River: The Exhibit!
This reception will be held at the Princess Twin Odeon Gallery in Waterloo and celebrates the Voice of the River: Grand River Community Play Project with its stories, songs, plays, and art created over the past four years! All are welcome.
Read the latest Princess Cinemas blog post
Learn more about the The Voice of the River: Grand River Community Play Project
“When Guelph-based singer-songwriter James Gordon was asked to support the Grand River Community Play Project, he was happy to oblige.
“I’m a total river guy,” said Gordon, noting that he grew up near the banks of the Grand River and rivers seem to feature in a lot of his work.” … read more
This upcoming performance on June 5 at 8 p.m. at the Fergus Grand Theatre, is no exception.
June 5, 2025
8:00 PM
The Fergus Grand Theatre
244 St. Andrew Street, Fergus, ON
Tickets: $28
Purchase tickets here
Are you an artist, storyteller or non-profit organization?
A vendor’s market, The Market Exchange, will take place on the final performance date – Saturday, August 23rd – from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.
Artisans, not-for-profit organizations, storytellers welcome to set up a booth.
No vendor fee required but a contribution to Six Nations Tourism is appreciated.
If you would like to be a vendor, contact Peter Smith at peter@ruralcreativity.org.
Limited space available.