Sudbury’s own Sarah Gartshore — a trailblazing theatre artist, playwright, actor, director, and social activist — has been named a recipient of the esteemed Johanna Award from the Johanna Metcalf Foundation.
Gartshore was recently was honoured at a Gala Evening hosted at Toronto’s Gardiner Museum, where five visionary mid-career artists were celebrated.
The Johanna Award, one of Ontario’s most significant prizes in the arts, recognizes excellence across the disciplines of Music, Dance, and Theatre, and includes a $25,000 prize.
Sarah, Aajiijak Ndodem miiniwaa Gartshore Clan from Scotland, is an Anishinaabe miiniwaa Zhaganashikwe whose life’s work is grounded in justice, compassion, and the transformative power of storytelling, said a press release from YES Theatre.
With unwavering commitment, she works in solidarity with unhoused individuals, those living with active addiction, sex workers, and other criminalized communities — amplifying their voices through theatre and film.
Her practice is deeply rooted in creating sacred, safe spaces for people to share and shape their narratives.
Among her recent works are:
● “Indigenous Health Care in Corrections” – a powerful documentary exposing systemic health inequities within carceral spaces,
● “Mapmakers” – a compelling film tracing community resilience in the wake of the pandemic,
● “Buffalo Risin” – an evocative collaboration with Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre that explores time travel, forgiveness, and the Truths we must honour to heal.
“It is difficult to fully capture the brilliance of Sarah Gartshore,” said Angela Recollet, CEO, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre.
“Her mastery of healing through the arts—whether through storytelling, live theatre, or film—is extraordinary. Sarah has an exceptional ability to build trust, honour sacred spaces, and transform them into powerful stages of learning. As a strong Anishinabek Kwe, she embodies the spirit of a true warrior woman. We are deeply honoured to walk alongside her in our shared journey of building healthy communities rooted in traditional values.”
As part of the Johanna Award program, each winner selects a protégé to receive a $10,000 prize.
Gartshore chose Adam Francis Proulx, a puppet theatre creator originally from Sault Ste. Marie.
His internationally acclaimed work with The Pucking Fuppet Co. has captivated audiences across Canada, the U.S., New York and Australia.
“I could think of no artist more deserving for this tremendous honour than the remarkable Sarah Gartshore,” said YES Theatre founder Alessandro Costantini.
“Working with her for the first time in 2024 and being in the periphery of her singular artistry has been inspiring and life affirming. She is unmatched in her process of collaboration and through her work builds artistic community that supports, uplifts and changes lives. We are so lucky that she is here in our community.”
“YES Theatre proudly congratulates Sarah on this richly deserved recognition and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with her — as dramaturge, actor, and an unshakable force of creative and cultural leadership,” the press release continued.