Amplifying Harriet Miller's Voice - Limited Screening & Artist's Panel

Join HAUI, 2024 City of Guelph Artist-in-Residence, for a limited screening and artist panel for “Amplifying Harriet Miller’s Voice: A Celebration of Femininity, Blackness, and Healing” at St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph on October 3 at 6 p.m.
The evening will showcase the screening of the multi-media project, produced by Public Domain Theatre x HAUI and co-produced by b current, that explores the true story of “Aunt” Harriet Miller, who lived in the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Hospital for almost a decade in her senior years. At the time of her passing in 1932, Harriet had lost her memory and immediate family, leaving many details about her life unknown. The health data referenced in this work was not obtained from medical records. It is based on historical registry information obtained from public census records.

The opening reception and panel will feature a chance to learn from HAUI and collaborator Ahdri Zhina Mandiela, Denise Francis, President of Guelph Black Heritage Society; and Audrey Devitt, Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Strategic Lead, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph, about the story of Harriet Miller, memory loss, the creative process of this project, and the experiences held and had throughout the residency.

The video will be on exhibition at St. Joseph's on October 4-5 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and October 6 (11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) as part of Ontario Culture Days. All are welcome to drop in, experience, and reflect on Harriet Miller's story.

Throughout a 15-week residency, HAUI delved into Guelph Museums archives, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph’s archives, and nourished community collaborations with Guelph Black Heritage Society, University of Guelph scholars Dr. Jade Ferguson and Deirdre McCorkindale, and Stratford Perth Museum.

Meet the Panel:

HAUI is a Stratford-based award-winning mixed-media artist, who directs, devises and designs cross-disciplinary works for stage, screen and visual mediums. Known for rejecting categorizations, HAUI amplifies overlooked themes, myths, histories and perspectives through an unconventional, diverse lens.

ahdri zhina mandiela is best known as the founder & past artistic director of Toronto-based b current Performing Arts, and is a revered poet/performer and stage director, who introduced the ever-evolving dub theatre form with her seminal performance work: dark diaspora… in dub in 1991. Since the late 70’s her work has influenced scores of artists, emerging and established; especially as the visionary and driving force behind the highly-buzzed rock.paper.sistahz festival and rAiz’n the Sun training. With three published books, this fiercely independent and award-winning artist has creations in dance, theatre, cd, film, and video; and continues to inspire younger artists writing and performing on theatre stages all over Canada.

Denise L. Francis currently serves as the Program Coordinator / Treasurer of the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS). Denise is a founding GBHS board member and has also served as President, Secretary, Chair of the Programming Committee and on the Building Committee. A long-term employee of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board she is currently the Senior Health & Safety Partner in the Human Resource Services Department. In 2016, Denise was a recipient of the City of Guelph Mayor’s Award. The Mayor’s Awards honour Guelph’s difference makers – people who make our city a better place through volunteer service. In 2021 she was awarded a Community Leadership Award from the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards which honours exemplary leadership, commitment, creativity, positive impact and demonstrations of best practices in conservation. As well, Denise was one of 12 finalists for the 2022 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming. Denise was recognised as one of the 100 Black Women to watch in Canada 2022 by the Canada International Black Women Excellence (CIBWE). In 2024 she was honoured to be awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her service to the community.

Audrey Devitt completed a master’s degree in Leadership with a Health Specialization at the University of Guelph. She has been an employee of St. Joseph’s Health Centre for over 30 years. She credits her passion and vocation to serving vulnerable populations. She has worked with vulnerable older adults in both a clinical and managerial capacity. Her leadership abilities are evidenced in her competence in mentoring and coaching clinicians in the field of Specialized Geriatrics. Audrey is the Behaviour Supports Services Lead with St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph

About St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph:

St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph is a leader in providing outstanding healthcare and support to clients, families, and the community. Their programs and services support people of all ages who need rehabilitation, complex medical, or long term care. St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph also provides community outreach programs that help people, including those living with dementia or frailty, to manage their conditions while staying active in the community.

About b current:

Currently led by Marcel Stewart b current was founded by ahdri zhina mandiela, to create and provide space for Black artists (later expanding to brown and intersectional artists) to train, challenge mainstream notions of theatre, and engage with the community. Since its inception, b current has developed scores of internationally celebrated artists and their works.

About the Artist in Residence Program:

The City of Guelph offers the Artist-in-Residence program to broaden the community’s experience of the arts, inviting artists to engage with the public and showcase their creative practices while animating public spaces. The program aligns with the vision of Guelph’s Culture Plan, fostering innovation through creativity, curiosity and collaborative expression.

Host or Publisher City of Guelph - Museums & Culture