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Kennetch Charlette: Profile Reprinted
with permission from
Although Kennetch received his formal training in Toronto he has now brought his experiences as an actor and director home to Saskatchewan to assist in the establishment of a Native theatre company in Saskatchewan. "I believe the spirit and identity of Native people lies in the beliefs, traditions, and ceremonies of our ancestors. This knowledge and wisdom of our Elders must be passed on to our youth, and we can use theatre as a tool." Charlette will continue with his efforts as the Artistic Director of the SNTC to expose native theatre to native and non-native people within Saskatchewan. Enter to read an article that appeared in the Saskatchewan Sage about Kennetch Charlette's acting career : Sandy Bay actor lights up Toronto theatre scene Links: (click on X in top right corner of outside link to return to photo gallery) Native American Actors / American Indian Actors H to L Big Bear : Rain or shine, the show must go on Drunks bring out the truth--One of Native Earth's best--By John Coulbourn--Toronto Sun |
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Kennetch Charlette is from Sandy Bay,
Saskatchewan and is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree
Nation. Kennetch has been involved in the performing arts
for the past 14 yeras. Kennetch studied at the Native
Theatre School in Toronto and the Royal Conservatory's
Drama Program at the University of Toronto. He has worked
as an actor and director with many renowned theatre
companies throughout North America and abroad. You may
recognize Kennetch from some of his film and television
credits such as Big Bear, Dear America, 'A' The Scarlet
Letter, Pochahontas: The Legend, A Lucky Shot filmed at
Waskesui which is to be released in the new year,
Sci-Factor and most recently, 'Prairie Berry Pie' where
he plays David, a Native storyteller. Kennetch's
involvement in Native theatre has given him a greater
understanding of the responsibility Native artists have
in sharing the many stories and experiences of our people
through dramatization. Kennetch has had the opportunity
of working with many gifted Native playwrites, directors
and actors including the likes of Thomson Highway, Graham
Green, Gary Farmer, Floyd Favel, Tantoo Cardinal, Gordon
Tootoosis, and Gil Cardinal. Individuals like these and
others have made a positive impact on his life. One play
in particular that reinforced the importance of cultural
identity was Black Elk Speaks. A play that told the story
of Black Elk, a Sioux Spiritual Leader and his vision for
the Native peoples of North America. Kennetch believes
that theater can be used as a tool for healing and is a
vehicle to educate others.