NORVAL MORRISSEAU ART FRAUD INSPIRED PLAY

Indigenous author and playright Drew Hayden Taylor was inspired by fake Norval Morrisseau art and wrote about other indigenous fakes...

Author and Playwright Drew Hayden Taylor

Drew Hayden Taylor is a gifted writer and playright. I've been a fan of his work for decades - since having read "FUNNY, YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE ONE: OBSERVATIONS FROM A BLUE-EYED OJIBWAY" (highly recommend the entire series).

So, imagine my delight when I ran into him at the book launch for EARLY DAYS: INDIGENOUS ART FROM THE MCMICHAEL. We discussed aspects of the Norval Morrisseau art fraud investigation which inspired him to come up with a new twist for one of the current (but aways there) issues the indigenous community were struggling with. An issue he has delved into with a sense of humour well known to anyone familiar with his work.

As he developed his project, I would hear from him and we would have brief exchanges to help develop some aspects of his new play. The best part for me was that I got to read his work as he developed it.

As a result, Drew Hayden Taylor has a new play which is now coming to Winnipeg and British Columbia. The play is titled THE UNDENIABLE ACCUSATIONS OF RED CADMIUM LIGHT. I myself am waiting with great anticipation to see it. If it's anything like his last play, COTTAGERS AND INDIANS, audiences will be in for a treat.

It's always nice to meet people who live up to your expectations. Drew doesn't disappoint. Wishing him all the success in the world so we can keep reading, and seeing, his great work.

The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light.

Art gallery owner Nazhi Nigig, known for expertly identifying Norval Morrisseau art forgeries, is a character featured in Drew Hayden Taylor's "The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light."

by Drew Hayden Taylor

February 24 - March 8, 2026

Teaty 1 Territory

Prairie Theatre Exhange

3rd floor

Portage Place

393 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, MB

April 18 - May 3, 2026

Firehall Arts Centre

280 E. Cordova St.

Vancouver, BC

World Premiere

"(Drew Hayden Taylor has) a deft touch for mixing comedy and commentary in an entertaining all-Canadian form of social satire." - Vancouver Sun

Ann Says:"I read Drew’s play and immediately called my trusted colleague Tracey Nepinak about directing it. When I revealed the stunning plot twist, she gasped out loud. Set in the world of Indigenous art, this play is ultimately a powerful story of the ties between a mother and daughter, punctuated by Drew’s trademark humour."