MANITOWANING—Debajehmujig Storytellers summer mainstage production, ‘Pwaagan Bemwenigoot–A Pipe Carriers Journey,’ will take to the stage starting with a 7 pm, July 26 preview—with dates continuing on into mid-August.
‘Pwaagan Bemwenigoot–A Pipe Carriers Journey’ is based on stories related by Wiikwemkoong carver, artist and pipe carrier Robert Pheasant, a well-known Odawa traditionalist. As a pipe carrier and medicine man who has been providing teachings, ceremonies and medicines to the people in the region for several decades, Mr. Pheasant realized after seeing last year’s Debaj main stage production ‘If I Listened’ (a play which traced the journey of a young child to the spirit world after the passing of her grandmother) that the stage offers an opportunity “for sharing stories with an important message to the Anishnabek.”
“We all have difficulties, we all fall down from time to time,” said Mr. Pheasant. “There is no shame in that. The only shame is if we fail to get back up again. We can always get back up again.”
The collaboration with Debaj has produced a work that carries those messages through “an uplifting tale that is infused with Debajehmujig’s humour, lively movement and innovative staging.” The production is also suitable for family audiences, children, youth and adults.
‘Pwaagan Bemwenigoot–A Pipe Carriers Journey’ is a “collective creation” that follows Debaj’s unique creative process and is directed by Bruce Naokwegijig. The production features veteran performers Samantha Lynn Brennan, Tabitha Peltier, Cotnee Kaboni, Dan Recollet-Mejaki, Tyler Pangowish, Dustin Trudeau and introduces a new face, Matthew Bell, an Assineboine actor from Saskatchewan who has made Manitoulin his home. The original soundtrack was created by composer, musician and ofttime Debaj collaborator Marsha Coffey, with set and lighting design by Bruce Naokwegijig and David Osawabine, and prop and costume design by Dustin Trudeau.
Performances of ‘Pwaagan Bemwenigoot–A Pipe Carriers Journey’ will run from July 26 to July 29, August 2 to August 5, and August 8 to August 11 with matinee performances on July 29 and August 5 taking place at 2 pm. To ensure that ticket prices are not a barrier to people who want to come to the show, this year’s ticket prices are based on a self-selected sliding scale from $10 to $50. To reserve tickets, call the Debajehmujig Creation Centre at 705-859-1820. Please see the ad in this week’s Expositor on Page 14.
