René Highway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
René Highway
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| Born | November 6, 1954 Brochet, Manitoba, Canada
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| Died | October 19, 1990 (aged 35) |
| Resting place | Leaf Rapids Cemetery, Leaf Rapids, Manitoba, Canada |
| Known for | dancing · acting |
| Partner(s) | Micah Barnes |
| Relatives | Tomson Highway (brother) |
René Highway (born November 6, 1954 – died October 19, 1990) was a talented Indigenous Canadian dancer and actor. He was a member of the Cree people, from a place called Brochet, Manitoba.
René was the brother of a famous writer named Tomson Highway. They often worked together, especially at a theatre group in Toronto called Native Earth Performing Arts.
About René Highway
Early Life and Training
René Highway was born in Brochet, Manitoba. He loved to dance and act. To become a professional, he studied dance in different places.
He trained at the Toronto Dance Theatre in Canada. He also went to the Tuukaq Teatret in Denmark to learn more about dance. Another place he studied was the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.
Contributions to Theatre
René Highway was very important in creating plays with his brother, Tomson Highway. He helped bring characters to life on stage.
For example, he helped create the character of Nanabush in his brother's play The Rez Sisters (1986). Nanabush is a trickster spirit from Indigenous stories. René also worked as a choreographer for another play, Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing (1989). A choreographer is someone who creates and arranges dance moves for a performance.
Legacy
René Highway passed away in Toronto in 1990 after an illness. He left behind a great legacy in Canadian theatre and dance.
To remember his contributions, the Native Earth Performing Arts group started the René Highway Foundation. This foundation helps support new Indigenous artists.
