The Porter’s Revival Immersive Performance – Coquitlam Heritage Society

Join us for the debut of The Porter’s Revival a performance art piece by Artist in Residence Lolu Oyedele. Experience this immersive original theatre performance created by Oyedele and inspired by The Fraser Mills Train Station, CP Rail Caboose, and the legacy of Black Train Porters in Canada and the United States.

Throughout the 20th century limited job opportunities, unlivable wages, and racial discrimination dominated Black people’s lives. One of the very few jobs available for Black men was being a train porter, which entailed attending passengers abroad sleeping cars by shining their shoes, pressing their clothes, serving them food, and so on. This was considered a prestigious position for Black men, despite the fact they were preferred for this position because of their history in domestic service– thus making train service continue the legacy of enslavement-era servitude. Nevertheless, railway porters became leaders in Black communities in Montreal and other urban centers. To learn more, visit our blog post here.

Drawing on this history, Oyedele has created a powerful piece that includes dance, song, and spoken word in this nine minute in-situ performance. Attendees will be asked to sit as passengers in our 1970s Caboose while Oyedele performs.

This performance can be adapted for those who are unable to use stairs. Please leave a note in your registration if you require adapted access.

Four time slots:
5pm (please arrive at 4:45 for check in and seating)
5:30pm (please arrive at 5:20 for check in and seating)
6pm (please arrive at 5:45 for check in and seating)
6:30pm (please arrive at 6:20 for check in and seating)

Free. Registration Required. (Ages 10+)