Carousel Theatre for Young People, in partnership with The Cultch, begins its 50th Season with the Vancouver Premiere of Jordan from Montréal’s Geordie Theatre, November 12-15 at the Historic Theatre.
Inspired by the real life of Jordan River Anderson, since having its world premiere at Montréal’s Centaur Theatre in spring 2025, the show has gained critical and audience acclaim.
A young boy from Norway House Cree Nation, his story sparked national action, leading to Jordan’s Principle in 2007. Surrounded by family and community from the beginning of his life, Anderson requiring support that wasn’t available close to home so he spent all of his childhood in a Winnipeg hospital, hundreds of kilometres from his home. When plans were made for him to move to a care home where his family could be more present, a funding dispute between the provincial and federal governments prevented Anderson getting the chance to grow up in a more nurturing environment.
As a result of Jordan’s Principle, First Nations youth are to receive access to the services they need immediately, then the governments negotiate payment later. Jordan addresses these healthcare challenges, highlighting the significance of Jordan’s Principle as a representation of Indigenous resilience amongst broader struggles for justice.
Written by Algonquin playwright Yvette Nolan, with express permission from Anderson’s family, Geordie Theatre’s play reimagines Jordan waking up in hospital as a superhero. Together with his spirit bear companion, Maskwa, Jordan uses his newfound abilities to explore the impact he’s had on Indigenous communities. Jordan is a show that the whole family can enjoy and learn from.
Jordan is directed by Geordie Theatre’s Artistic Director Jimmy Blais, an off-reserve member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The cast and team include a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, from Tiohtià:ke/Montréal and across Canada, bringing their own unique perspectives into the creation process and onto the stage. Geordie Theatre believes that live theatre is an essential educational tool, speaking to the experiences and challenges faced by today’s youth and provoking important conversations, whether at home or in the classroom.
Onstage November 12 to 15, 2026, at The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St., Jordan amplifies Indigenous voices, raises awareness around issues affecting Indigenous peoples today, and introduces Canadians to the heroes they might not already know.
Visit thecultch.com for more show information and tickets.