One Trunk Theatre’s Anti-Racist Statement

November 12, 2020

This is a message to our community, both our current community and the one that we dream of making. For our community afar, but mostly for our artist colleagues, and neighbours who share this land with us. One Trunk creates theatre on Treaty One Territory- the homeland of the Metis Nation, the traditional territory of the Anishanaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene.  

One Trunk was established in 2012 and until 2020, with the exception of one project, all world premieres were products led (in part or in whole) by the Artistic Producer, Andraea Sartison. This was because at the company’s inception, Andraea wanted an avenue to develop her practice and have her work produced, and a platform to advocate for devised and collaborative, boundary defying theatre in Winnipeg. While each past project invited collaborations with artists outside of the theatre medium, this singular artistic vision magnified the producer’s cultural blindspots and bias. Work was innovative, but the community who was creating, accessing and benefiting from the projects was almost entirely white. 

The company has grown artistically and administratively and now boasts a number of resources including: access and relationships to power such as funding bodies, corporate partners, local and national theatre leadership; access to venues; donors; a functioning board; charitable status; a small amount of reliable annual funding; membership in local and national arts/theatre associations and groups; professional experience; an engaged audience; a reputation. Our ability to access and maintain these resources, even our confidence in pursuing these things, is a result of our whiteness, and the fact that the processes embedded in our company and the structures that uphold the theatre industry in general are built on white supremacy. 

As we become more aware of the disparity between our practice/privilege and those of our Indigenous and Black colleagues, and Artists of Colour, we are compelled to simultaneously use this power for good, while also seeking new ways of working that allow all artists the space and freedom to do their utmost, and all communities to be welcomed at our productions. We believe that artists can change the world and that this is both a great privilege and a great responsibility. Theatre has the power to change the way we understand our reality, to build community and relationships, to shine a light on hidden truths, and to imagine new ones. 

And so, we are now leveraging our resources to work against racism in our community, our company, and theatre in general. We are investing in relationships- looking at who is currently present in One Trunk’s community and who is missing- and seeking conversation, collaboration and creative partnerships with racialized artists and communities. While we are still committed to supporting projects in development Embargo by Claire Thérèse (photo featured above by Kristian Jordan, featuring Claire and Arne MacPherson) and A Western Chronicle by Andraea Sartison and Ethan Radstrom, our major focus is on decentralizing One Trunk’s Artistic Vision- changing the structure to support projects by other artists. We are investing in relationships and seeking projects led by Indigenous and Black Artists/Producers and Artists/Producers of Colour that share One Trunk’s mandate of creating theatre that is interdisciplinary, new and collaborative. We are excited to play new roles -producers, consultants, collaborators, promoters, schleps!

It is our goal that within the year no more than ⅓ of the company’s projects are being led by the Artistic leadership; and that we have found meaningful ways to leverage the company’s privilege to support IBPOC artists, while identifying and dismantling oppressive and harmful practices embedded in the company from the creative process to governance. The process has already started and includes commissions, Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism training for staff and board members, mentorships, hiring policies, and integrating Anti-Racist goals into our strategic plan.

It’s going to be awesome. This isn’t just the work that is long overdue, it’s also a kick ass opportunity to do what we love the most- reimagine what theatre can be- and we are super excited. We acknowledge that this relationship building is a process, and that the commitments we make to interrogating and dismantling racism in theatre are permanent; but the way that we do this work will evolve and change based on our learning, and the needs of the community and each specific project. This statement is one of intent, that we are committed to expanding our community and reshaping our work to be in relationship with all we share this Territory. 

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved in the company please contact onetrunkcollective@gmail.com.

With hope-

Andraea Sartison, Gwendolyn Collins, Kara Joseph, Garrett Wellwood, Kailey Protulipac, Tanner Manson, Paul Duncan, Mary Moore (One Trunk Staff & Board)