Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are sponsors of Beyond Eden, a new musical theatre production presented by Theatre Calgary, in collaboration with Vancouver Playhouse, and with endorsement and some funding from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Organizing Committee. The story portrays the historical relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands).

The production runs for 3 weeks (24 performances) in Vancouver from January 16 to February 6, and then for 3 to 4 weeks in Calgary starting February 16. This article will appear in the program for each performance.

Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life support a story of healing, community

Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are proud to play a supporting role in bringing a little-known but important chapter of Canada’s history to the stage.

Beyond Eden is a story of the struggle, love, loss, redemption and transformation triggered by the clash of European cultures and the ancient arts and culture of the Haida Nation.

“As the sponsor of Beyond Eden through our national corporate citizenship program, we’re pleased to help Theatre Calgary and the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company make history with a groundbreaking world premiere,” says Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.

“Beyond Eden has a great deal to say about healing within and between societies, and this production certainly fits with our belief that the arts can help build stronger communities.”

Blending cutting-edge multi-media and traditional theatrical techniques, Beyond Eden is also presented at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, a showcase and celebration of Canada’s creative arts.

Beyond Eden also brings about a reunion for sponsor Great-West Life and popular Canadian performer Tom Jackson, who plays The Watchman in this production. Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life have helped Jackson raise money and awareness for food banks through his Singing for Supper concert series and other projects.

As an Imagine Caring Company, Great-West Life together with its subsidiaries, London Life and Canada Life, donates a minimum of 1% of average pre-tax profits to non-profit, charitable and community organizations each year, including many arts and culture projects.

We applaud Theatre Calgary and the song, dance and visual spectacle of Beyond Eden.

Enjoy the show!