John Ware Reimagined by Cheryl Foggo

Original Music by Miranda Martini and Kris Demeanor

Drama/History/Folk Music

Joni loved everything about cowgirl life. From her checkered shirt, to her fringe vest, to the whistle on her hat, to Dale Evans on the Roy Rogers Show. But growing up as a young Black girl in 1960s Calgary, Joni struggled to see herself represented in the cowboy culture she adored: that is, until she found her under-sung hero: John Ware.

By some accounts John Ware was one of the greatest ranchers to ever ride in the West, known for daring acts of horsemanship, heroism in the face of danger, and a deep commitment to community. There’s even a mountain and a ridge named after him. But while the legend of John Ware may have been largely obscured for over a hundred years, today Joni is telling his story anew. It’s time to sit back in your saddle and let a new perspective take the reins.

A hugely entertaining personal journey filled with original folk songs, John Ware Reimagined, drives home the point that diversity has always been a part of Alberta’s story and seeks to restore the missing stories of Black Canadians to Alberta’s pioneering prairie culture.

Approx 2h 15min with intermission

George Meanwell

Musician

Janelle Cooper

Director / Music Director

Michael Panich

Stage Manager

Twaine Ward

John Ware

Warona Setshwaelo

Joni

Beth Kates

Lighting Designer

Graham Hargrove

Musician

Cheryl Foggo

Playwright

Madeleine Eddy

Musician

Adam Campbell

Sound Designer

Renate Hanson

Assistant Stage Manager

Miranda Martini

Original Music

Kris Demeanor

Original Music

Janelle Cooper

Mildred Ware

Lindsey Zess

Set & Costume Design

More show information and resources:

1. Watch playwright Cheryl Foggo’s NFB film documentary “John Ware Reclaimed” on CBC GEM – Click here to watch
2. On June 6th, of this very year, 2022, Canadian Heritage officially named John Ware a Figure of National Historic importance. Read about this honour here.

“I am pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of John Ware, who embodies the resilience and strength of Black Canadians. Commemoration is about recognizing the many diverse aspects of our history. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Canadians have the opportunity to learn about the full scope of our history.”

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

(pictured a photo of John Ware, and his wife Mildred and two of their six children, 1896). Credit of Library and Archives Canada.

In 2012 John Ware was honoured in 2012 and put on a stamp by Canada Post.

Playwright Cheryl Foggo and daughter/ composer Miranda Martini offer another compelling interpretation of the John Ware story “We Were Here” (John Ware Reimagined) recorded live at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary Alberta

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