Gwynn is a local radio host. Her mother, Maggie, has a story.

Marsha Knight, Michelle Bardach; Photo by Rémi Thériault (The Grand Theatre)

The Secret to Good Tea

By Rosanna Deerchild

Maggie has spent a lifetime building a wall between herself and her memories—as well as between herself and her inquisitive, journalist daughter. Now, with a healing gathering for residential school survivors approaching, Gwynn wants Maggie to stop evading her truth, and be part of the change.

With a pot of steaming hot tea as the only thing between them, Maggie and Gwynn work to dismantle her wall, uncovering Maggie’s story in a journey of laughter, revelation, understanding, and the bond of a mother and daughter.

The Secret to Good Tea is a vibrant, intimate, and cheeky family portrait based on playwright Rosanna Deerchild and her own mother. 

Production History

The Secret to Good Tea was originally developed by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre through the Pimootayowin Creators Circle. It premiered at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in March 2023.

Ontario debut at the Grand Theatre, in partnership with National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre, in February 2025.