Stories Steeped in Stone continue at Heritage Discovery Centre

The Stories Steeped in Stone performance series, which has completed seven shows and scheduled six more this summer and fall, kicks off in Sault at the Heritage Discovery Centre Theatre at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site.

The tickets are on sale right now, which also include beverages and themed heritage appetizers.

For more information about upcoming shows and tickets, read the news release below: 

With the completion of seven shows and six more scheduled for the summer and fall, the Stories Steeped in Stone performance series has been a welcome boost to area artists from various disciplines. 

The live arts series is themed around performances by Algoma talent, who draw their inspiration from the stories, culture and landscape of this region. On Thursday, July 14, visual artist Annie King and sculptor Michael Burtch will stage Traces, a mixed-media performance based on their current artistic practices, which employ fire and ice. 

All shows are staged in the Heritage Discovery Centre Theatre at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. In-person tickets are available by calling the Ermatinger Clergue at 705-759-5443. Tickets are $25 and include two wine/beer / other beverages and themed heritage appetizers. 

The one-hour shows are also being live-streamed out to audiences everywhere (no registration or tickets required) on the Friends of the ECNHS Youtube channel. All shows start at 7 p.m. 

Stories Steeped in Stone kicked off in March and has showcased poetry, spoken word, music, dance, theatre and film. Many of the participants have used the opportunity to create brand new works. Writer George Houston penned Stones Throw From the Heart, a mix of monologue and song about growing up in Heyden during the 1960s, working with actor Jarrett Mills who plays George's younger self. 

“Steeped in Stone has given so many of us a chance to go to the well, see again our reflections draw up a bucket of affirmation and a better understanding of what it feels to be northern. A chance to collaborate, make new friends and celebrate our heritage,” he said. 

Skye Smith was inspired to create a work of contemporary dance to their husband Rod’s song Here in memory of her Nonna. 

"During the height of the lockdowns, I found myself struggling with the isolation. I realized that performing is an essential part of my mental health. When I read the call out to performers for The Stories Steeped in Stone, I immediately knew I wanted to partner with local choreographer Amelia Stuetz and explore contemporary dance... After my Nonna passed away in late January 2022, in another lockdown, my family faced a familiar struggle - a small goodbye. ‘La Nonna è Qui’ is the contemporary dance piece I performed on June 9 as a part of the Stories Steeped in Stone series... I paired this piece with my script, 'The Steelworker’s Wife,' that I wrote as part of the Actor’s Toolbox class at Northern Arts Academy. With this piece, I hoped to portray the 1950s immigrant housewife in Sault Ste. Marie. My Nonno worked at the steel plant, so it paired perfectly with my dance. I am extremely proud of both pieces and plan to perform them in Fringe North in August," Smith said.

"As a spoken word presenter, Stories Steeped in Stone provided me with a creative platform where I could share a segment of local history that I'm passionate about," says Cindy Ellen Crawford. "It was also very empowering to know that I was one of many voices that, together, collectively offer a creative, historical sampler about this place we call home." 

Visual artist, musician and guide Ellen Van Laar debuted a collection of original songs on piano. Prior to that, only a handful of friends have shared this facet of the artist’s expression. “There are many songs, stories, and historical depictions that are best expressed in schools and museums. I loved the opportunity to express history and issues, past and future.” 

Aug. 18 will bring Tim Murphy to the stage with his premiere performance of 'Wasn’t it Grand?' a theatrical retrospective of Sault Ste. Marie's original opera house. September will be a 'St. Marys River Fantasy' with Rusty McCarthy and Maja Bannerman. October M.D. Dunn premiers his latest song cycle, 'Rootless,' and Britta Wolfert debuts 'Immigrant Song.' Shows are helmed by guest MCs, and most also feature performances of excerpts from writings by local authors, singers and heritage presenters. 

Plans are in the works to bring past shows back on Youtube over the coming weeks, so if you missed it the first time, shows featuring, just to name a few, Elizabeth Creith, Cindy Ellen Crawford, Kristin DeAmorim, Theresa Binda, Tracie Louttit, George Houston, Jarret Mills, Ellen Van Laar, Skye Smith, Peter White and Joel Syrette, will be available for viewing soon.