NAC INDIGENOUS THEATER
MARGUERITE
Capturing the essence of ‘Marguerite: le feu’ by Émilie Monnet @emonnet for Indigenous Theatre’s 24/25 season @nac.cna was an incredible experience.
This theather performance tells the story of Marguerite Duplessis and her fight for freedom, and we aimed to reflect that raw emotion and strength in every shot. The portraits are intimate, highlighting the resilience and fire within the performers.
We used a mix of soft and hard lighting to enhance their expressions and create a sense of closeness, allowing the spirit of the production to come through. The group images emphasize connection and solidarity. It was important to us that the photos felt as bold and striking as the story being told.
SECRET TEAThe Secret to Good Tea is a vibrant, intimate, and cheeky family portrait based on playwright Rosanna Deerchild (CBC Unreserved) and her own mother. Fresh from a world premiere in its home province of Manitoba, Deerchild’s powerful first play is set to make its Ontario debut at the Grand Theatre, before gracing the stage of the National Arts Centre. Renae Morriseau, who directed the play’s world premiere, returns to Deerchild’s work once again and will direct this compelling story.
HOMELANDS
Photographing for ‘Homelands’ with @kahawidance and @nac.cna was beautiful set location. We used the natural landscape and wanted to keep the light looking natural to highlight the dancers’ fluidity and grace. Set against the backdrop of water and earth, the imagery aimed to mirror the deep connection between the performers and the land, capturing the movement and spirit of this powerful narrative.
‘Homelands’ is an award-winning multimedia performance by renowned Six Nations artist @santeesmith . It kicked off the National Arts Centre’s Indigenous Theatre 24/25 season. *Homelands* beautifully weaves dance, visuals, and music to honor the kinship between Indigenous women and their ancestral lands.
BEAR GREASE
Bramasole Diner has always been a special place for us. In 2010, Remi spent many Sunday mornings there, living just around the corner. Its retro charm and welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect setting for ‘Bear Grease,’ a vibrant Indigenous reimagining of the classic Grease musical. This marked the third production we’ve shot at Bramasole, and we couldn’t have asked for a better location to build the 1950s-inspired aesthetic. A huge thanks to John, the owner, for always being so open to our creative ideas.
The energy of ‘Bear Grease’ is electric, and we wanted the photos to reflect that spirit—blending nostalgia with a fresh, Indigenous perspective. The portraits capture the charisma of the cast, while the setting and styling reinforce the era’s influence.
