Steinbach is set to host Frozen River, an MTYP (Manitoba Theatre for Young People) presentation.

The production is on a three-month tour of Manitoba schools, expected to reach 24,000 Manitobans. However, Steinbach and Gillam are the only places to host community versions of the show.

Frozen River is described as a poignant and powerful play about reconciliation, environmentalism, and interconnectedness, tackling meaningful issues through engaging story telling, whimsical puppetry and age appropriate narrative.

Grandmother Moon tells the story of two eleven-year-olds, born under the same blood moon, but in different parts of the world. The play follows their stories as they meet in a forest, and that of their descendants who meet in the present day in Manitoba. A broken promise from the past can be righted when there is finally an openness to learn from those who have protected and honoured the waterways for centuries.

“While it is easy to look at mistakes of the past and present and feel powerless, there is hope,” MTYP Artistic Director Pablo Felices-Luna said. “Frozen River may center around a broken promise, but it also gives us hope for the future. Promises can be honoured; amends can be made.”

Frozen River premiered in Winnipeg in February 2022, and stars Julia Davis as Grandmother Moon, Keely McPeek as Wapam and their descendant and Emily Meadows as Elidh and her descendant.

The production is being hosted by the Steinbach Arts Council at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Tickets are available for $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Steinbach Arts Council Executive Director David Klassen said their goal has always been to provide exceptional family-friendly performances.

“This particular performance was created for students in Grades 3-6, but it’s a perfect chance to experience this powerful message with the entire family,” he said. “It’s educational, though-provoking, moving, and it comes at an important time in our society.”

“As we work for change and understanding, we know we need to find ways to present material like this, and we’re proud to be able to do this for our community,” he added.