Sawney’s Legacy

Sawney’s Legacy tells the story of James Anderson, the first published poet of note in British Columbia.

This play is written and performed by Brendan Bailey with Direction by Dirk Van Stralen. It was developed in part through The Sunset Theatre’s annual Exploration Series, and will be presented once a month this summer on June 30th, July 14th and August 25th.

About the Poet: James Anderson was the first published poet of note in British Columbia. His Sawney’s Letters and Cariboo Rhymes has been of tremendous historical relevance and is quoted regularly in publications regarding the Cariboo Gold Rush. Born in 1835, raised and educated in Scotland at the prestigious Dollar Academy, and one of fifteen children, he became lord for the Anderson family estate. While resident along Williams Creek during the Cariboo Gold Rush, he was involved as an owner, investor, and labourer in a number of mining pursuits, but was also heavily involved in many community and social endeavours and was notably respected and well-liked, particularly for his legal aptitude, commentative verse, and singing voice.

CONTENT WARNING: Sawney’s Legacy is a period piece and explores privileged views of the nineteenth century Caucasian society, as well as addressing adult themes around family trauma and bias.

Sawney’s Legacy runs approximately 60 minutes in length.

Playwright/Researcher/Performer: Brendan Bailey

Production Manager/Stage Manager/Lighting Design: Emily Lindstrom

Director and Poster Design: Dirk Van Stralen

Research and Historical Consultant: Richard Thomas Wright

Indigenous Consultants: Cheryl Chapman and Mike Retasket

Chinese Consultant: Dr. Ying-Ying Chen

Theology Consultants: David and Michelle Lieffertz

Cariboo Lodge #4 Consultant: Neil Vant

Noble Players Logo (design, image, and intellectual property): Caitlin Bailey

Cover and Poster Image: Emily Lindstrom

Costume Advisors and Wardrobe Support: Michelle Lieffertz and Patti Bailey

HISTORICAL NOTES: The historic dates and events are (or are as close of an educated assumption to) documented, sourced, and cited fact. In writing this play, the playwright has worked within the given historical circumstances and drawn from historic publications to breathe life to fact.

Noble Players Theatrics is a Canadian production company focused on sharing stories connected to our historic gold rushes. Noble refers to the properties of gold which we feel serve as an effective metaphor for artistic integrity and entertainment value.

Contact: nobleplayerstheatrics@gmail.com