Métis Nutcracker
Written by Matthew MacKenzie
Directed and Choreographed by Monica Dottor
Set and Costume Design by Monica Dottor
Composed by Noor Dean Musani
Performing the role of The Métis Nutcracker, Nicole Joy-Fraser, DART’s Walker Cultural Leader
Dramatic Arts Fall 2025 Mainstage Production
When Tatyana, a refugee from Ukraine who is struggling to acclimatize to her new surroundings, receives a magical Métis Nutcracker, she is taken on a magical journey, exploring the wonders of Turtle Island.
In consultation with Indigenous artists from the Pemmican Collective, the largest indigenous creator’s cohort in the country, DART will produce an adaptation of a classic holiday tale. Métis Nutcracker, by Métis playwright and DART faculty member Matthew MacKenzie, will incorporate elements of theatre, dance, and vintage circus. Audiences will be taken on an adventure that will both entertain and invite them to see the holiday season through the lens of Indigenous history and traditions.
Roles will be performed by both professionals and 18 students from Brock University’s Department of Dramatic Arts. Nicole Joy-Fraser will play the Nutcracker.
Carousel Players is excited to partner with Brock University’s Department of Dramatic Arts (DART) to provide Educational Workshops and Study Guide Materials for this production.
Grades 4+
Look out for a Walker Cultural Leader’s Artists’ Talk about The Métis Nutcracker, to be scheduled in early December.
This event will invite public participation and will be free to attend.
Casting, Creatives and Production Team:
(to come)
Performance dates:
Dec. 3rd and 4th at 11:00 a.m. (school matinees)
Dec. 5th and 6th at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6th and 7th at 2:00 p.m.
Estimated performance time is 1 hour.
Marilyn I. Walker Theatre, MIWSFPA
15 Artists’ Common, St. Catharines
Tickets will be available through Brock University Tickets.
$10 for DART students, $20 for other Brock students, $25 for the general public.
This show will be performed in the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre at Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts at 15 Artists’ Common in downtown St. Catharines. Limited parking onsite.
To plan your journey to the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre, for parking, directions, or accessibility, click here to view our Visiting the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre webpage.
