Echoes of the Land returns—immersive 60-minute experience at Werklund

Echoes of the Land is back at the Werklund Centre's Big Secret Theatre this week, inviting audiences to experience something unusual: a 60-minute immersive show where they can lie down, close their eyes, and let live drumming, poetry, and music wash over them.

The production, part of National Indigenous History Month, features Elder Clarence Wolfleg and traditional drummer and knowledge keeper Skip Wolfleg, alongside performers Kris Demeanor, Cedric Biggie Lightning, Alanna Bluebird, and Kenna Burima. Director Eric Rose describes the atmosphere: "There's something beautiful and ancient about listening to, for instance, a grandfather drum. It's something to be experienced."

Unlike traditional theatre, there's no expectation to watch closely or perform. "In this show, the audience doesn't have to perform," Rose says. "If what you need is to rest and let the sound and music wash over you, that's absolutely fine." Audience members can even drift off—the experience is designed to be accessible and welcoming, not demanding.

The concept is intentional: Rose, a white settler, wanted to create an invitation to Indigenous cultural experience that felt open and low-pressure. "Sometimes maybe you feel like it might feel like almost too much courage to go to a powwow. I think that this is a beautiful invitation to dip into the waters of First Nation knowledge in a way that is really open, inviting, and welcoming."

Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or pillow; eye masks are provided. Performers are positioned along the edges of the space. While lying on the floor is part of the concept, seating and accessibility options are available for those who need them.

This is a remount of the production that premiered at the 2025 High Performance Rodeo, where demand was so strong many audience members bought tickets more than once.

Echoes of the Land runs June 25 to 28 at the Big Secret Theatre, Werklund Centre.