The Manitoba theatre community is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Ian Ross, a renowned Métis-Ojibway playwright, storyteller, and educator who passed away at the age of 57. Kelly Thornton, the artistic director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasizing Ross’s significant influence on many individuals.
Born in McCreary, Manitoba, in April 1968, Ian Ross later relocated to Winnipeg and obtained a bachelor’s degree in film and theatre from the University of Manitoba. His play “fareWel,” a dark comedy depicting life on a fictional First Nations reserve, premiered at Winnipeg’s Prairie Theatre Exchange in 1996. The play received the Governor General’s Award for English Drama, marking Ross as the first Indigenous playwright to achieve this prestigious recognition.
Apart from “fareWel,” Ross authored various other plays such as “The Gap,” “Heart of a Distant Tribe,” “An Illustrated History of the Anishinabe,” and “Baloney,” a production aimed at young audiences addressing poverty-related themes. His recent work, “The Third Colour,” debuted at Prairie Theatre Exchange in 2019.
Ian Ross was also recognized for creating the character “Joe from Winnipeg,” featured in segments he wrote and performed on CBC Radio and TV during the 1990s. Additionally, he took pride in mentoring and supporting other Indigenous playwrights in Manitoba, particularly through the RMTC’s Pimootayowin Creators Circle program, which he led starting in 2020.
Kelly Thornton highlighted Ross’s dedication to empowering aspiring playwrights and his commitment to nurturing Indigenous storytelling. Despite his untimely passing, Thornton emphasized the importance of continuing Ross’s legacy by ensuring that Indigenous narratives are shared and celebrated on stage.
Ross’s legacy as a masterful storyteller and mentor will endure, with his impact on the theatre community and beyond being remembered fondly by many. His contributions to Indigenous theatre and storytelling will continue to inspire future generations to share their stories and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage on stage.
