Head to the theatre on Family Day for a show that is both highly entertaining and educational. Where Have All the Buffalo Gone is an Axis Theatre production, presented by Gateway Theatre, that follows the souls of two Métis people during crucial moments in Metis history. Filled with live music, dance, and a dazzling buffalo costume, audiences of all ages will be mesmerized by this timeless love story.
It’s 1830, and a young Marie and Louis, Metis peoples of Treaty 6, meet and fall in love for the first time. Buffalo are plentiful, and their lives demonstrate relative comfort and connection. However, with each decade that passes, the souls of Marie and Louis live on in future generations, and as they once again find each other at specific moments in history – such as the Battle of Batoche and the uprising of Residential Schools – audiences can see that the one idyllic, peaceful life of Treaty 6 Métis peoples is rapidly changing due to colonization. Using the buffalo as a symbol of prosperity and comfort, the disappearance of buffalo on their territory depicts the changing landscape and lifestyle for Louis, Marie, and their communities. A love story at its core, the souls of Louis and Marie continue to find each other in every key moment of history.
Filled with important education about the history of Métis, combined with vibrant music, costumes, and set design, Where Have All the Buffalo Gone is a standout production from Axis Theatre suitable for ages 9 and up. Audiences will love the lively, authentic music from fiddles that ties in to the happier moments in Métis history, while balancing those moments with the serious consequences of colonization and the disappearance of Métis culture. At the end, audiences will have a better understanding of this important story and how they can support a future that recognizes Métis history and future preservation.
Axis Theatre is an award-winning theatre company for children that blends age-appropriate storytelling with important real-world issues. Where Have All the Buffalo Gone is a perfect way to introduce children and teens to the history of Métis peoples in an accessible and entertaining format. With a run-time of approximately one hour, this show is packed with quick changes, visually stunning elements, and music to captivate the audience. Whether you want to bring your whole family or suggest this to your child’s school for a field trip, Gateway Theatre’s production of Where Have All the Buffalo Gone offers family-friendly showtimes of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM from February 16 and February 18-21. Buy your tickets today for a Family Day show your crew won’t soon forget.
Gateway Theatre Presents: Where Have All the Buffalo Gone?
Dates: February 16-21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM (Feb. 16, 18-21 ); 1:00 PM (Feb. 18-21)
Venue: Gateway Theatre
Address: 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Website: www.gatewaytheatre.com
