Children of God is a powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario. The play tells the story of one family: Tommy and Julia, who are trying to survive in the harsh environment of a religious school, and their mother, Rita, who never stops trying to get them back. The impact of this experience on the lives of them all is profound and devastating, yet the story moves toward redemption.

Children of God offers a thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities, celebrating resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit.

Corey Payette is proud of his Oji-Cree heritage from Northern Ontario and has worked as a playwright, actor, composer, and director across Canada. He is the Artistic Director of Urban Ink (Vancouver), past Artist-in-Residence with National Arts Centre [NAC] English Theatre, and founder of Raven Theatre. He was the Artistic Associate for The Indigenous Cycle at the NAC which resulted in the creation of a new department of Indigenous Theatre to begin in 2019. Credits: Children of God (Urban Ink, NAC, The Cultch, Citadel Theatre, Western Canada Theatre), Moonlodge (Urban Ink/NAC), Our Town (Caravan Farm), Les Filles du Roi (Fugue/Raven/Urban Ink), and Sedna (Caravan Farm Theatre). His original musical Children of God (book/music/lyrics & direction) toured to the Segal Centre (Montreal), York Theatre (Vancouver), then to Vernon, Nelson, Cranbrook, and Surrey in Winter 2019. His next new musical has been commissioned by Bard on the Beach (Vancouver). Awards: John Hirsch Prize (Canada Council) and Best New Musical and Outstanding Direction (Ovation Awards).

Corey Payette's profile page

"Children of God is must-see theatre for Canadians."
—Globe and Mail

"Powerful and profound...This is theatre that resonates on a deep emotional level."
—Ottawa Citizen

"A significant success...beautiful and very powerful."
—Vancouver Sun