barb janes

she / her

Barb Janes

MWG Volunteer

In grade six, Harriet the Spy inspired me to be a writer. Writing to a weekly deadline comparing ancient texts with today’s world and community was my calling as a United Church minister, now retired. I’ve been published in a number of anthologies, and have one self-published book, Inviting Wonder. A family story was published by CBC. My play Agency (Winnipeg Fringe 2024) got a 4.5 star review. Agency‘s characters were caught in the maze of child welfare, as adoptees from three distinct eras (British Home Child, 60s Scoop, inter-country adoptions) made a dash for freedom. Current project: [working title] PENULTIMATE, a novel set in an assisted living facility.  As a cub-reporter for MWG events, I will make you kick yourself for missing said events. Fun fact: if you have a pacemaker, you can bypass Security at the Millennium Library.

Publications

Agency

Agency

Children are lost in a maze – a maze of child welfare that has persisted for over a century. We are introduced to Jazz, an adoptee from Korea, Claire, a 60s scoop adoptee, and Louisa, a 1910s British Home Child. Together, they seek a way out of the maze while uncovering memories of their past.

“Agency” is a 70-minute exposé written by local playwright Barb Janes. Initially, it was a 5minute script created for Sarasvati’s Femfest Bakeoff in 2019, earning Barb first place in the competition. Over the years, with the encouragement of Director Marsha Knight, the play developed into a 70-minute production.

Released: Jul 19, 2024

Publisher: Independent / Self-Published

inviting wonder by barb janes

Inviting Wonder
inviting wonder by barb janes

Inviting Wonder

Rekindling the relationship between churches and the arts, calling churches to embrace hospitality as a spiritual practice, re-imagine the church as a public space, and inflame religious imagination through the arts.

Released: Jan 9, 2014

Publisher: United Church

McNally Robinson