The Mush Hole

Created by award-winning dance artist Santee Smith, The Mush Hole is a powerful and timely performance that uses song, dance and theatre to explore the lives and spirits of children who were forced to attend Ontario’s Mohawk Institute residential school.

It is about their survival & resilience & is based on testimonials, survivor writings & residential school documentation.

The performance & talks provide as clear a portrayal of the impacts of residential school in particular for those who served time at the Mohawk Institute a.k.a. The Mush Hole.

The storyline follows two generations of Survivors demonstrating the inter-generational effects. Opening a small window into the atrocities inflicted on 1000’s of Indigenous children, it closes the door on perpetuating historical amnesia. A haunting portrayal, weaves through memories of Survivors, reliving traumas, school life, loss of culture, discovery & remembering & finding each other. Supporting the Truth & Reconciliation Report: Calls to Action our pre- & post-performance discussions support an open exchange between artists & audiences.

Recommended for ages 13+
Approximate running time: 60 minutes with no intermission

View the trailer here

“The Mush Hole reflects the realities of the Mohawk Institute residential school experience and offers a way to open dialogue and to heal, through acknowledgment and honouring the spirit of Survivors and families that were impacted.” — Santee Smith