Theresa Cutknife (Actor)

Flight: Indigenous Women’s Leadership Stories in Canadian Universities 

Situated on a fictitious university campus, Flight explores two Indigenous women’s stories as they set out to implement a reconciliation policy and transform the academy through collective and ancestral Indigenous leadership efforts. In the process, the women encounter age-old colonial tropes about Indigenous peoples and women and find themselves caught between university administrative systems and the Indigenous communities they serve. In this paradoxical world, Weesakeechahk (in goose form) shows up to guide the women and have some fun in the process. This work-in-progress builds on previously published academic research done by the playwright in 2021

Biography 

Theresa Cutknife (she/her) is an Alberta born Toronto based Nêhiyaw/Puerto Rican actor, writer, and wannabe producer. She is a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacîs, Alberta located on Treaty 6 Territory. Theresa is an alumni of The Centre for Indigenous Theatre and graduate of the 2023 Soulpepper Academy. Her co-written play Talk Treaty To Me received two Sterling award nominations for Outstanding Fringe Ensemble and Outstanding Fringe New Work at the 2023 Edmonton Fringe Festival. Currently she is a resident of the 2024 CBC/CFC Actors Conservatory.