manidoons collective media request
In our process of Indigenizing performance practices, it is vital that we centre marginalized voices - particularly IBPOC (Indigenous, Black and people of colour). There is an aspect to cultural work - or in our case, artistic ceremony - which does not align with the white supremacy in colonial reviewing practices. In order to encourage a deeper discussion, our expectation of the media is that they will hire IBPOC reviewers to engage with our work.
The unconscious bias within the lens that white settlers bring to criticism perpetuates harmful stereotypes infused with racism, transphobia and ableism that harms Indigenous, Black and culturally diverse artistry. We see a direct line between the gatekeeping of arts criticism from a colonial worldview and the under-reporting and misrepresentation of the #LandBack movement in the media.
manidoons collective acknowledges the work and ongoing solidarity from our communities, knowledge keepers and those who have blazed the trail. At this time, we are calling for the reflections and worldviews of fellow marginalized voices, and in particular Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary critics.
Here is the discourse that emerged from Indigenous, and other racialized critics when we made this call in February 2020 for the Theatre Passe Muraille / Native Earth Performing Arts copresentation of our play bug by Yolanda Bonnell:
Radical Refusals and Indigenous Gifts of Love By Sheetala Bhat May 31, 2021
Why it matters who reviews Indigenous theatre By Yvette Nolan Feb 19, 2020
The role of white media in perpetuating online racism By Sanchari Sur February 18, 2020
A Cree professor and a white critic went to Yolanda Bonnell’s bug. Then, they discussed By Karyn Recollet & J Kelly Nestruck Feb 16, 2020
bug: An Invitation To Not Look Away By Christa Couture Feb 16, 2020
Why I’m Asking White Critics Not to Review My Show By Yolanda Bonnell Feb 14, 2020
Yolanda Bonnell’s bug is an enthralling journey into Indigenous women’s lives By Kelly Boutsalis Feb 13, 2020
Yolanda Bonnell in conversation with Ange Loft about the creation of bug By Ange Loft Feb 8, 2020
White Girls in Moccasins | Press
Yolanda Bonnell on how we are never truly lost By Erica Commanda March 19, 2022
White Girls In Moccasins is a powerful Indigenous coming-of-age play By Glenn Sumi March 13, 2022
White Girls in Moccasins by manidoons collective welcomes audiences back to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre By Robyn Grant-Moran March 11, 2022