Gord Billard retired as Arviat’s first drama teacher last month. Over the course of his 20-year career in the community, the 60-year-old teacher reckons the school produced 180 performances from a selection of dozens of plays.
Changes (2007): Inuit camp members gather around the shaman for a ceremony. From left, Naujak (Manasie Thompson), Panikpak (Elizabeth McClintock), Uvilik (Becky Okatsiak), shaman (Jordan Konek), Aqigiq (Charmaine Okatsiak) and Nukilik (Ivan Mamgark). Photo courtesy of Gord Billard
Gord Billard retired as Arviat’s first drama teacher last month. Over the course of his 20-year career in the community, the 60-year-old teacher reckons the school produced 180 performances from a selection of dozens of plays.
This week we take a look back at the stars of some of the plays the students put on under his direction.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2007): The Grinch schemes with his helpers before stealing Christmas from the Who’s house. From left, Pongo (Jimmy Napayok), the Grinch (Daniel Alagalak) and Bongo (Mark Shamee). Photo courtesy of Gord BillardRomeo and Juliet (2017): The opening sword fight between the feuding Capulets and Montagues. From left, Paris (Lydia Kaviok), Tybalt (Kevin Mikiyungiak), Lady Capulet (Robyn Koomuk), Lord Capulet (Russell Suluk), Mercutio (Ethan Tassiuk), Prince (Edith Issakiark) and Benvolio (Noah Muckpah). Photo courtesy of Gord BillardA Christmas Carol (2001): The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Ebenezer Scrooge a scene from the Cratchit family’s Christmas celebration. Back row, from left, Ghost of Christmas Present (Travis Kritaqliluk), Scrooge (Rodney Sabourin), Bob Cratchit (David Manilak) and Mrs. Cratchit (Maria Illungiayok). Front row, from left, Nancy Cratchit (Stephanie Etuangat), Tiny Tim Cratchit (Jordan Konek), Martha Cratchit (Charlotte Kuksuk), Dick Cratchit (Gabe Alagalak) and Peter Cratchit (Amos Irkok). Photo courtesy of Gord BillardPlayhouse of the Damned/Thriller (2011): The cast and crew pose for a group shot following the end of show. Back row, from left, Ramon Kaviok, Jonathan Kigusiutnak, Solomon Nungnik, Larry Ussak, Meagan Netser, Innosar Issakiark (Michael Jackson), Emily Innuksuk, Keith Alikut, Kristin Netser and Samantha Abbott. Front row, from left, Gino Qiyuaryuk, James Issakiark, Peter Aliktiluk, Andy Evaloakjuk, (obscured face likely Troy Illungiayok), Alvin Illungiayok and Joni Okatsiak. Photo courtesy of Gord BillardSlapshot Santa Scores Again (2001): Backstage, the director (Gord Billard) and Mrs. Claus (Katelyn Sulurayok) chat while Jacob Marley (Katie Angalik), far right, waits in the background for A Christmas Carol to start. The teacher in the background is Wade Patterson. Photo courtesy of Gord Billard
Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines.
