R

René Highway

Died
October 19, 1990
Age
35 years
Cause
AIDS

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About René Highway

René Highway, 35, Canadian dancer, AIDS.

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Full Biography

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René Highway (November 6, 1954 – October 19, 1990) was an Indigenous Canadian dancer and actor of Cree descent from Brochet, Manitoba. He was the brother of playwright Tomson Highway, with whom he frequently collaborated during their time at Native Earth Performing Arts in Toronto, and the partner of actor and singer Micah Barnes.

Highway studied dance at the Toronto Dance Theatre, at the Tuukaq Teatret [da] in Denmark, and at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Highway helped to create the role of Nanabush in his brother's play The Rez Sisters (1986), and was the choreographer for Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing (1989).

Death and legacy

Highway died of AIDS-related causes in Toronto in 1990. His partner was singer Micah Barnes.

Native Earth Performing Arts started the René Highway Foundation in his memory.

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Sources

People who died on October 19

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