Norval Morrisseau Forgery Scandal Inspires New Play by Drew Hayden Taylor

Drew Hayden Taylor, an Ojibway playwright, presents his latest work, 'The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light,' which delves into themes of Indigenous identity, authenticity, and colonialism, inspired by the Norval Morrisseau forgery scandal. The production took place at Vancouver's Firehall Arts Centre from April 18 to May 3. The narrative revolves around three main characters: Nazhi, an Indigenous art dealer and expert (Anita Wittenberg); her adopted daughter Beverly (Kaitlyn Yott); and reporter Martine Marten (Tyson Night). As Martine investigates Nazhi's past, she uncovers her First Nations heritage through marriage, a legal status that ceased in 1985. The play also touches on the Buffy Sainte-Marie ancestry debate and generational conflicts regarding cultural hybridity. Director Columpa Bobb emphasized the play's inquiry into why Indigenous individuals in Canada must validate their ethnicity. Set designer Charlie Beaver created a backdrop featuring a torn canvas, complemented by Morrisseau-inspired visuals from Rebekah Johnson. Taylor's inspiration stemmed from a meeting with Jonathan Sommer, a Morrisseau specialist at the McMichael Gallery.