Christine Johns, U of Calgary
Collectively Experiencing the Land: Paul Thompson and the creation of a regional sense of place

My paper examines the role of theatre in understanding the communal landscape experience and creating a regional sense of place and identity in rural Canada. Through a lens of cultural geography I undertake a close reading of Thompson’s evocations of rural Canada through his documentary collective creation method of directing and address the broader issues he raises for consideration of the construction of identity and sense of place. Known primarily for bringing rural life to the stage, Thompson goes further than simply incorporating landscape into his performances. His treatment and use of landscape in collective creation plays such as The Farm Show, The West Show, Far as the Eye Can See, and He Won’t Come in from the Barn create a regional sense of place and attachment as well as a vital sense of belonging in communities across Canada. In addition to creating an ongoing dialogue between people and the natural environment, Thompson’s commitment to providing a sense of identity and relationship between the physical surroundings, the actor and the audience makes an argument similar to that of the cultural geographers, about the phenomenon of emotional bonds between people and symbolic values of place and environment. This paper argues that Thompson provides insight into the human experience of the landscapes of Canada and provides integrated perspectives on the relationship between humans, the performing arts and the natural environment.