Indigenous hero: Celebrating a short life on stage

Children and families can discover a new hero this spring on a Montreal stage, as a somber story from recent history inspires an uplifting message of hope.

The new play Jordan, A Hero’s Journey Home tells a moving tale about young medical patient Jordan River Anderson. In 2005, the boy was only five years old when he passed away in the hospital, due to complications from multiple disabilities. The indigenous child from Manitoba had lived all of his short life in the hospital because federal and provincial governments in Canada could not agree on who would pay for his at-home care. The political fight resulted in the establishment of Jordan’s Principle. This is a child-first initiative intended to ensure First Nations youth have access to the healthcare, education and social services they need.

Algonquin playwright Yvette Nolan’s story has young Jordan discovering newfound abilities to speak and move, guided by his spirit bear companion, Maskwa.

Director Jimmy Blais says the show celebrates Jordan’s legacy while aiming to entertain young folks and their parents with a positive approach. The boy is portrayed as a superhero moved by hope and resilience.

Geordie Theatre, in partnership with Centaur Theatre, will also have special performances of the show just for school groups. Study guides will be available for teachers and families who’d like to expand the educational reflections the show provokes.

Geordie Theatre is Montreal’s leading English-language professional theatre for young audiences.

You may see the Geordie Theatre’s production of Jordan, A Hero’s Journey Home at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal, located at 463 Rue Saint-François-Xavier.

Shows run from April 3rd until April 13th.  

You’ll find ticket information at geordie.ca/jordan.

Photos by Connor Ryan