Commissioned by Artistic Director André Lewis, Going Home Star - Truth and Reconciliation explores the world of Annie, a young, urban First Nations woman adrift in a contemporary life of youthful excess. But when she meets Gordon, a longhaired trickster disguised as a homeless man, she’s propelled into a world she’s always sensed but never seen. Not only do they travel the streets of this place but also the roads of their ancestors, learning to accept the other’s burdens as the two walk through the past and toward the future. Together, both Annie and Gordon learn that without truth, there is no reconciliation.

Cited as quite possibly as "the most important work in its 75-year history" (Holly Harris, Winnipeg Free Press) Going Home Star - Truth and Reconciliation is a labour of love and passion; a risk-taking venture into unknown, unfamiliar and troubled territory.

After seeing the premiere performances in Winnipeg and Ottawa, audiences expressed how they came to understand the true history and legacy of the Indian residential school system. It achieved what RWB had hoped, that the ballet would be a tool to open up dialogues, recognition and understanding about this important part albeit dark part of Canada's history.

“Ballet cuts right to the heart of what’s most beautiful, physically in humanity and what’s most beautiful in story. We are taking a very European form and introducing it to a First Nations experience.

We’ll find a way to meld this meeting of these two very different places in a fascinating way on the stage.”

– Joseph Boyden

Choreography Mark Godden

Based on a Story by Joseph Boyden

Composer Christos Hatzis

Costume Design Paul Daigle

Set Design KC Adams

Lighting Design Pierre Lavoie

Projection Design Sean Nieuwenhuis

Associate Producer Tina Keeper

With the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Featuring the music of Tanya Tagaq and

Steve Wood & The Northern Cree Singers