As part of the Firehall Arts Centre’s 40th anniversary season, the late Taran Kootenhayoo’s White Noise is coming back to the stage. 

"How do we deal with internalized racism? Do we keep pushing it away and pretend to live safely in our day-to-day?" Those are the questions at the centre of the play, as two families share a meal during Truth and Reconciliation week.

“It is so exciting to be bringing White Noise back to the Firehall stage after our close to sold out run last April,” says the organization’s artistic producer, Donna Spencer, in a release. 

“Audiences were so moved by the play and its connection to here and now. White Noise has many comedic moments, is powerful and thought-provoking, and makes us think about our role in reconciliation and our responsibility to gain a greater understanding of the Indigenous people and their history here on Turtle Island and in Canada.”

The Firehall has partnered with Savage Society for White Noise. The production is being remounted to honour the legacy of Kootenhayoo, the Indigenous actor and playwright who died in late 2020 at the age of 27 before ever getting to see the play he wrote performed on stage. 

"It's a wonderful, smart play. It'll have you thinking and rolling in the aisles. It's timely. It's important,” says Savage Society’s artistic director Kevin Loring. 

“I'm proud of the work that Taran put into this show and I'm honoured to have been his mentor for his time here on this earth. I hope you get a chance to see it. Kʷukʷstéyp”

White Noise will run at the Firehall Arts Centre from April 15 to May 7, with opening night on April 19. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online.