MANITOWANING—Debajehmujig Storytellers’ mainstage production ‘Pwaagaan Bemwenigoot: A Pipe Carrier’s Journey’ is tribute to the resurrection of spirit following immense trauma. Based on the real-life travails and experiences of knowledge keeper Robert Pheasant, the production reflects the indomitable spirit that is driving the current revitalization and resurgence of Anishinaabe culture, traditions and language.
The play follows the life of Daniel Recollet-Mejaki’s Billy, a man torn by the traumatic events of his youth and the circuitous path he takes in becoming a pipe-carrier, a knowledge keeper of his people.
Mr. Recollet-Mejaki is an Anishinaabe cultural arts animator with Debajehmujig who hails from Wiikwemkoong. Becoming part of the Debaj crew back in 2017, the young thespian is nonetheless a stage veteran, having taken part in several productions as well as workshops at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre and John Turner’s renowned Clown Bootcamp—it shows.
Tabitha Courtney Anne Peltier (Eniimit Mahiingan Kew/Dancing Wolf Woman) plays Autumn, Billy’s long-suffering and patient wife. Ms. Peltier is originally from Aundeck Omni Kaning but now resides in Wiikwemkoong. Ms. Peltier was one of the first graduates of the National Aboriginal Arts Animator program in 2007, and has performed in numerous Debaj mainstage productions, including ‘The Gulch’ and the internationally acclaimed ‘Global Savages.’
Ms. Peltier channels her own experiences and hard-won wisdom in bringing Autumn to life on stage. Autumn’s calm and nurturing persona reflects the countless “aunties” whose tireless devotion holds communities and families together in the face of daunting challenges.
Kotnee Kaboni is another Wiikwemkoong veteran of the stage, having taken part in seven previous productions. An elder, grandmother of three, great grandmother of two, Ms. Kaboni brings her fluent Anishinabemowin (she has been a language teacher for many years) and a unique style to the stage as the wise Justine.
Bruce Naokwegijig fills a number of roles in this production, first as co-director, but also as the elder Pitche, one of Billy’s early guides, and Whetung, a spirit-ish figure who acts counterpoint to Billy’s angst.
Samantha Lynn Brennan is the other co-director and Eagle Spirit, taking dance and movement to expressive heights in this multi-disciplined production. Ms. Brennan’s command of movement belies spoken words to bring messages from beyond the mortal coil to life.
Debaj student Tyler Pangowish of Wiikwemkoong joined the educational stream in 2021, and he brought Miichen to the stage with the passion of a writer and artist who loves what they are doing.
Musician and composer Marsha Coffey of Sudbury has been a Debaj stalwart for several years. The Dora Mavor Moore Award winning composer and three-time Dora nominee has written numerous scores for theatre, television and film. Her credits are simply too numerous to list in this article, but she has brought all her immense talent to bear in order to create the textured soundscapes backing the on-stage action.
The production team also included the technical expertise of David Sunny Osawabine and Richard Mauti. Mr. Osawabine also filled the role of stage manager and lent a hand with lighting along with Daniel Recollet-Mejaki. Production assistants were Charity Shigwadja and Richard Ashlee Manitowabi.
Support for the production was provided by Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Canada.
The production takes place at the Larry E. Lewis Studio in the Debajehmujig Creation Centre in Manitowaning. Admission is on a sliding scale of $10 to $50. Remaining shows take place on August 9, 10 and 11, with doors opening at 7 pm. For tickets call 705-859-1820.
