The Cultch & Urban Ink Present
THE MUSH HOLE
NOV 14–16, 2025
HISTORIC THEATRE
A theatrical dance performance about Canada’s first Indian residential school: The Mohawk Institute, aka The Mush Hole.
Presented as part of TRANSFORM Festival 2025.
25/26 CULTCH PRESENTATION
By Santee Smith
Toured by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (Tkarón:to / Toronto)
Winner of 5 Dora Mavor Moore Awards
60 min no intermission
Opening Night
FRI, NOV 14 | 7:30PM
Evening Shows
FRI–SAT | 7:30PM
Matinees
SAT & SUN | 2:00PM
Recommended for ages 11+
Historic Theatre
1895 Venables St,
Vancouver, BC
Phone:604-251-1363
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Saturday: 12–4pm
Sunday: Closed
Photo Credit: Ian R Maracle
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About the show
A heart-opening dance theatre performance that lays bare the lived truths of Canada’s first Indian Residential School, The Mohawk Institute, also known as The Mush Hole.
From 1828 to 1970, State and Church systems worked to sever Indigenous children from their families, culture, and language. Through the eyes of two generations of Survivors, The Mush Hole evokes the raw, unflinching realities of this legacy. Featuring a powerhouse Indigenous cast, the performance fuses visceral movement, haunting cinematic imagery, and a stirring original score to summon the experiences still held within the school’s bricks and mortar.
Inspired by Survivors’ testimonials, The Mush Hole is not only a reckoning, it’s a radiant story of resistance, remembrance, and the courage to find light in even the darkest places.
The Draw
Reviews
About The Mohawk Institute a.k.a. The Mush Hole
The Mohawk Institute is the oldest residential school in Canada, after which all others were modelled. Operated in Brantford, Ontario, from 1828 to 1970, it served as an Industrial boarding school for First Nations children from Six Nations, as well as other communities throughout Ontario and Quebec. It served as a key tool in the effort to assimilate First Nations children into European Christian society, and sever the continuity of culture from parent to child, leaving a legacy of trauma. After closing in 1970, it reopened in 1972 as the Woodland Cultural Centre.
TRAILER
SUPPORTed BY
TICKET PRICES
Section A+:
$64
Section A:
$54
Section B:
$44
Section C:
$35
Ways to Save
Group Discounts are available for this show while quantities last.
Please contact our Box Office for details:
604-251-1363
[email protected]
Two complimentary tickets for each standard* shows are available for Indigenous patrons thanks to the support of Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation.
To book complimentary Indigenous tickets
Login to your Cultch account or create one
Select your show, date and time
Choose Section A, B or C seat
Use the drop down Type box to select Indigenous promo
Enter INDIGENOUS in the promo code box and click Apply
Please pick up your tickets at the Box Office at least 20 minutes before the show starts. All unclaimed complimentary tickets may be released for sale prior to show time.
*Indigenous patrons receive 50% discount for premium show East Van Panto: West Van Story. All tickets are subject to availability. Those who wish to book tickets for a larger group or family can contact [email protected]
The Cultch Connects Program provides complimentary tickets to community organizations and social service groups. It also offers complimentary tickets to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to attending Cultch performances. To request Cultch Connects tickets, please email [email protected]
This program is made possible with the support of our generous donor community. Learn more about what your donation can do for our community.
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25/26 SEASON
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