History – Campbell House Museum

Redefining Home | Curators’ Talk and Attic Tour

Join Redefining Home curators — Meghan Drascic-Gaudio, Hailey Graham, and Madeleine Howard — as they discuss uncovering the story of Harold and Hana Kawasoe. Tours of the attic where the young couple lived will also be provided. On March 14th, hear artist Lillian Michiko Blakey speak to the inspiration and meaning behind her works. On March 30th, hear both artists, Lillian and Laura Shintani, speak.

Redefining Home: A Story of Japanese Canadian Resettlement in Toronto tells the story of Harold and Hana Kawasoe, who lived in the attic of Campbell House Museum from 1948 to 1951. The exhibition follows Harold and Hana on their journey from British Columbia to Toronto, where they planted new roots, and examines the broader narrative of the forced relocation of Japanese Canadians to Toronto following the Second World War.

Redefining Home includes contemporary art installations by Lillian Michiko Blakey and Laura Shintani, who reflect on Harold’s and Hana’s stories and their own experiences of being Japanese Canadian. The artists further explore ideas of home, identity, loss, and resilience.

Curators’ talk free with admission to Campbell House Museum ($10/ adult, $6/ senior). OMA and Attractions Ontario complementary admission accepted. Reserve your Curators’ Talk tickets below.

https://curatorstalk.brownpapertickets.com

March 14, 2019 — 2:00-3:30pm

March 30, 2018 — 2:00-4:00pm

Canadian Rajah in The Slotkin Letter

History, News, Theatre

This past weekend, Dave Carley’s new play, Canadian Rajah, premiered at Campbell House! This fascinating play caught the eye of Lynn Slotkin of The Slotkin Letter, who commented: “This took place in the grand ballroom in Campbell House Museum, a terrific venue if you have never been and so suitable for the play.” Our historical ballroom becomes Ranee Ghita’s drawing room, where the incredible true story of Esca Brooke is revealed. The epic showdown between Ranee (Barbara Worthy) and Esca (Jon de Leon) over his plea to have his heritage acknowledged happens right there. To read Lynn’s full review: http://slotkinletter.com/category/playgoer.

Canadian Rajah Cast Change

History, News, Theatre

We are delighted that Barbara Worthy has stepped in to take on the role of Ranee of Sarawak. Barbara will be performing starting February 1. Unfortunately, Chick Reid was forced to withdraw due to illness but we are happy to inform you that she is making a great recovery.

Barbara Worthy is a writer/director/producer/performer. She has enjoyed a twenty-year association with the Shaw Festival, a career which has included acting, writing and producing for that theatre. For two decades she has also worked as a drama and documentary producer for CBC Radio.

The Making of Canadian Rajah, new play at Campbell House

Events, History, News, Theatre

From left to right: Chick Reid, Dave Carley, Jon de Leon

Canadian Rajah tickets available HERE.

Dave Carley first became aware of Esca Brooke twenty years ago. By chance the playwright had come across a 1996 history by Australian professor Cassandra Pybus. Her book, The White Rajahs of Sarawak uncovered the story of Esca, a young man who should have become Rajah of Sarawak but, instead, was exiled from the British protectorate. Dave was initially intrigued by the physical span of Esca’s journey, from tropical Sarawak (now part of Malaysia) to Madoc, Ontario, poised on the edge of the Canadian Shield. But by book’s end Dave found himself obsessed by the dramatic arc of Esca’s life in Canada – and his obsessive hunt to have his heritage acknowledged.

That quest for recognition – and the dramatic showdown between Esca and Ranee Brooke, the woman who sent him into exile – forms the dramatic core of Canadian Rajah. It’s a true story, an international one – and very, very Canadian. The play is being performed by two well-known actors – Chick Reid and Jon De Leon – in the ballroom at Campbell House. The setting will perfectly recall the elegant London drawing room of Ranee Ghita, the second wife of Esca’s father, Rajah Charles Brooke. In the play, Esca has travelled there to plead his case. The Ranee lies in wait for him, armed with a barbed tongue, determined to send Esca back to the backwoods.

Over the course of writing Canadian Rajah, Dave has become friends with Esca Brooke’s Canadian descendants. In fact, Esca’s two surviving granddaughters have played an active consulting role in the play’s creation. Esca’s numerous descendants live mostly in Toronto and the Ottawa area and will be attending the upcoming run of the play.

Dave Carley’s plays have been produced widely across Canada and the United States.

Canadian Rajah’s world premiere is on January 30, 2019. The play will run for three weeks at Campbell House, closing on Sunday, February 17.

Some performances have already sold out – Get your tickets now at: canadianrajah.bpt.me

New date added for Celtic Circle – Mysteries of Scotland

Events, History, Music, News

If you haven’t heard yet, the demand was so high for last week’s Celtic Circle event, that we’ve added a new date – Join us tonight, January 18 at 7:30 pm for a bewitching evening of storytelling and music from the Celtic world of Scottish folklore.

Come gather around the fire to hear the eerie tales of ancient Scotland, enjoy hot cider and traditional Scottish fiddle tunes.

$25 for adults, $20 for youth, students and seniors; pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Please note: we advise that some of the stories may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Details and registration at http://danceweavers.ca/CelticCircle or call 416-578-1031. Advance registration advised. Doors open at 7 pm, tickets might be available at the door.

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