Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia 2011
23 min. musical drama
written by Tara Lee Reddick & Ann Verrall
in collaboration with the youth participants
produced and directed by Ann Verrall
On the shores of the Bay of Fundy a Mythical Chorus emerges from the natural elements – rock, earth and air. They embody the African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq spirits past, present and future. They have returned to the world because their history is being forgotten. In a small rural African Nova Scotian community, Gibson Woods, Jasmine and her friends are leaving to make it as performers in the city. Jasmine’s brother tries to convince them to stay because the community is dying. They won’t be held down by the weight of family and history. Their journey takes a sudden turn when they come to a detour sign, put there by the Mythic Chorus. They soon discover they are on a First Nations reserve where their van suddenly breaks down. Stranded at a garage, each of them comes to discover a deeper wisdom about the past and their connection to the community they now find themselves in.
9:25 min. documentary
created by: Seth Browning, Deidra Dorrington, Teri-Ann Smith
production mentors: Ariella Pahlke and Lis van Berkel
Special thanks to Geraldine and Scott Browning
Gibson Woods is a small rural community in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, established by the Black Loyalists. The lush green setting with the billowing willow tree and the remnants of an ancient wagon overgrown with wild roses, is the backyard of Geraldine Browning, the grandmother of Seth Browning, one of the participants. While filming the drama Gibson Woods, the youth explored the history of the community through interviews with Geraldine Browning and Scott Browning.
Participants
Gibson Woods, a musical drama, was created in part through a TV Drama Academy, a 2-week summer camp program. The youth were involved in developing the script through an improvisation process.
C.J. Brooks, Seffy Browning, Kyland Cain, Deborah Castrilli, Gavin Cremo, Deidre Dorrington, Tia Googoo, Danen MacKay, Gabrielle Miller, Donnie Peters, Brittany Phillips, Brittany Prosper, Kira Sark, Nathan Simmons, Reeny Smith, Devon Taylor
