Indigenous Summer Play Readings 2025

Touring the Yukon - July 2025

The Spirit of the Valley by Frank Henry Kaash Katasse

Jordan by Yvette Nolan

Join Gwaandak Theatre for our annual Indigenous Summer Play Readings! This Season, we are proud to be presenting two scripts that are new to the Yukon: The Spirit of the Valley by Frank Henry Kaash Katasse and Jordan by Yvette Nolan. This annual summer tour creates opportunities for emerging theatre artists, promotes stronger community connections, and showcases both new and returning Indigenous scripts to local audiences. We invite you to experience these stories with us!

The Spirit of the Valley

Written by Frank Henry Kaash Katasse

Directed by Isabelle James-Walker

On a family vacation to their cabin nestled in the beautiful wilderness of Alaska, Tlingit twins Kaash and Shaa find themselves on the adventure of a lifetime! Suddenly separated from their family and from each other, they have to figure out how to reunite and above all, how to save the valley that they love so dearly. Join these clever kids on their journey as they face ferocious Wolves, rap battle the fast-talking Raven, reason with the dramatic Bear, and search for the elusive Spirit of the Valley. This show is fun for the whole family and asks the important question, “What can you do to protect the magnificent land and nature that surrounds you?”

This play was developed as the "Playwright in Residence" at La Jolla Playhouse and had itʼs World Premiere with Perseverance Theatre.

Ages 6+

Jordan

Directed by Keira Ash

Written by Yvette Nolan

Jordan is a play that depicts Jordan River Anderson as a superhero. Awakening in a hospital, Jordan discovers newfound abilities to speak and move, guided by his spirit bear companion, Maskwa. The story addresses the healthcare challenges faced by Indigenous children, highlighting the significance of Jordan’s Principle in ensuring equal healthcare for First Nations youth. Jordan represents hope and resilience, reflecting the broader struggle for justice within Indigenous communities.

This play was created by an Indigenous-led team, with the blessing of Jordan River Anderson’s family.

Ages 6+

Readings will take place July 2025 throughout the Yukon!

Meet the Creative Team

Keira Ash - Director - Jordan

Frank Henry Kaash Katasse - Playwright - The Spirit of the Valley

Isabelle James-Walker - Director - The Spirit of the Valley

Yvette Nolan - Playwright - Jordan

  • Keira Ash is a proud Tłı̨chǫ Dene Indigiqueer from Somba K’e Denendeh (Yellowknife, NWT). She is an artist, educator, student, beader, maker and doer. Keira grew up playing on the shores of Great Slave Lake. They flowed to and learned in Moh'kinstsis where the Elbow River and Bow River meet, as well as Amiskwaciwâskahikan which the North Saskatchewan River runs through. Now, she has flown south to where mountains and ocean meet during the school year resides on lək̓ʷəŋən lands that have been carefully cultivated since time immemorial. Last, last winter they migrated North to help create art along Chu Nínkwän, the Yukon River, and are now back to help with ISPR and to see how the territory changes with the seasons.

  • Born in raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, Isabelle James-Walker (she/her) is Tlingit, Carcross Tagish First Nation. Isabelle found her passion for theatre when she joined the Music Arts and Drama Program and completely fell in love with acting and the Arts. Being really shy and closed off as a kid, she found her confidence while pursuing her passion. Last year she dove into the world of directing with Justice during ISPR 2024. This is going to be her second time directing and she is super excited!

    A few productions she’s been in: Music Art and Drama Program - 2016-2019

    Newsies - Yukon Theatre for Young People - 2019

    Dreary and Izzy - The Guild Hall & Gwaandak Theatre - 2021

    Women of the Fur Trade - Gwaandak Theatre - 2021

    Indigenous Summer Play Readings - Gwaandak Theatre - 2022

    WYRD - Larrikin Entertainment - 2023

    Indigenous Summer Play Readings - Gwaandak Theatre - 2024

  • Frank Henry Katasse, also known as Kaash, is an Alaska Native Tlingit from the Tsaagweidí clan. He is a versatile artist involved in acting for both the screen and stage, directing, producing, improvising, educating, and writing. Frank has received various awards and accolades for his work and has been involved in the production of Alaska Native-themed plays. He was also Emmy-nominated for his writing and story contributions for Molly of Denali.

  • Yvette Nolan (Algonquin) is a playwright, director and dramaturg who makes theatre across Turtle Island. Her works include the play The Unplugging, the dance-opera Bearing, the libretto Shawnadithit, and the verbatim play Reasonable Doubt (with Joel Bernbaum and Lancelot Knight). From 2003–2011, she served as Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts.

CREDITS

Playwright - The Spirit of the Valley | Frank Henry Kaash Katasse

Playwright - Jordan | Yvette Nolan

Director - The Spirit of the Valley | Isabelle James-Walker

Director - Jordan | Keira Ash