living histories

In collaboration with the BC Black History Awareness Society

Now booking 2026 & 2027

Living histories

Bring the memory of Mifflin Gibbs to your school or public space

Each booking includes a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide

Upcoming Shows for the Public

  • Mifflin Gibbs Day in Victoria BC

    Thursday Nov 19

    5:30pm - 7:00pm

    The Black & Here Centre (1327 Douglas Street)

    Open to the Public - Free or by donation

    Commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Distinguished Mifflin Wistar Gibbs' election to Victoria City Council, Mr. Gibbs returns to relive his election, in 2026!

    Mifflin Gibbs was the first Black person to hold elected office in all of British Columbia.

    Story Theatre and the BC Black History Awareness Society welcome public audiences to The Black and Here Centre to hear Mifflin Gibbs story, ask questions, and of course, pose for a portrait or two.

    Doors - 5:30pm

    Performance - 6:00pm

    Question Period - 6:30pm

    Catch this sneak peak of the full Living Histories: Mifflin Gibbs program, touring BC schools and public venues late January through March 2027.

  • Meet Mifflin Gibbs! FREE Performances for Classrooms & Homelearners

    Friday Nov. 20 - 9:30am (sold out!) 11:00am, 1:30pm

    Monday Nov. 23 - 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:30pm

    Story Theatre and @blackhistory.bc welcome classes and homelearners from the CRD and/or SD61 to FREE performances of Living Histories: Mifflin Gibbs at the @blackandhere_centre!

    The Distinguished Mifflin Wistar Gibbs' returns to relive his election in 1866, after 160 years. Mifflin Gibbs was the first Black person to hold elected office in all of British Columbia.

    Classes will:

    Attend a 20 min performance slot

    Participate in a 15 min question period

    Visit the new Black and Here Community Centre

    This unique opportunity gives schools a sneak peak of the full Living Histories: Mifflin Gibbs program, touring schools in BC late January into March 2027 and available to book now.

    Space is limited - Secure your spot!

    Email yvonne@storytheatre.ca

April 27 - May 22, 2026 School Tour

Victoria, Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Prince George

Tour now concluded!

past Public/Tour performances

April 25, 2026: Meet Mifflin Gibbs

Maritime Museum of BC

One day only! April 25th is your final opportunity to experience 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots exhibit at the Maritime Museum of BC. To bid farewell to this impactful display in style, we’re welcoming an esteemed guest all the way from 1866!

In partnership with Story Theatre and BC Black History Awareness Society, we invite you to step back in time and meet Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, the first Black person to hold elected office in British Columbia.

Through the art of historical interpretation, this “Living History” performance brings the 19th century to life. Mr. Gibbs, who served as a Victoria City Councillor for James Bay, returns to answer questions from his “constituents” and share his pivotal role in shaping Canada.

Co-created by Director Adonis Critter King and Producer Monica Ogden, this program bridges the gap between the past and the contemporary, offering audiences of all ages a chance to learn from our history to build better futures.

Join us for this special closing event:

When: April 25, 2026, 11:00am – 3:00pm with break from 11:45am-12:45pm

Admission to the museum this day will be “Pay what you can!”

Meet the team

Marlee Michael Pearl - Historical Interpreter of Mifflin Gibbs

Adonis Critter King - Director, Writer/Co-Creator

Yvonne Kushemererwa - Tour Manager

Monica Ogden - Artistic Producer of Living Histories Program, Co-Creator

Fran Morrison - BCBHAS History Advisor

Erica Petty - Set & Props Design

Santiago Domínguez-Cortes - Historical Consultant

Sarah Shepherd - Costume Design

Kemi Craig - Engagement Leader at BC Black History Awareness Society

Jamila Douhaibi - Executive Director at BC Black History Awareness Society

Produced by Story Theatre in partnership with BC Black History Awareness Society 💐

☀️ Adonis C. King - Writer, Director & Co-Creator
☀️ Monica Ogden - Artistic Producer of Living Histories Program, Co-Creator & Historical Interpretation Training/Teacher’s Guide
☀️ Marlee Michael Pearl - Historical Interpreter of Mifflin Wistar Gibbs
☀️ Yvonne Kushe - Tour Manager
☀️ Sarah Shepherd - Costume Design
☀️ Erica Petty - Set & Projection Design ☀️ Erica Petty - Artistic Producer of Story Theatre
☀️ Fran Morrison - Historical Advisor & Board Member of BCBHAS
☀️ Santiago Dominguez-Cortes - Historical Consultant
☀️ Jamila Douhaibi - Executive Director of BC Black History Awareness Society
☀️ Kemi Craig - Engagement Leader of BCBHAS & Manager of the Black and Here Centre

Graciously supported by Theatre SKAM. Made possible with generous support from the BC Arts Council, The Province of British Columbia via Community Gaming, the Capital Regional District Arts and Culture, the Victoria Foundation, and the Government of Canada via the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program through Canadian Heritage (MARP).

expressions of interest

Performer roster

Living Histories Mifflin Wistar Gibbs

virtual submissions open

Story Theatre welcomes ongoing virtual audition submissions for performers interested in joining the roster to portray Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, and future historic characters, as part of the Living Histories program. Expressions of interest for 2027 are open.