Wisakedjak
Mazinaw Rocks Productions (Peterborough) in partnership with Public Energy and Indigenous Performance Initiatives
presents Wisakedjak
November 1, 2013 @ 8PM
Market Hall, 140 Charlotte St.
Pre-show Chat with Alanis King and Alejandro Ronceria, in the Market Hall lobby at 7pm.
Post-show Reception, meet the artists in the lobby following the show.
Preview: October 31 at 8pm. Pay-what-you-can, tickets at the door only
Matinee: November 1 at 1pm. For school bookings contact Market Hall at (705) 749-1146.
Venue:
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre: 140 Charlotte St, Peterborough
Tickets:
$15 / $5 high school students
markethall.org
Written by
Paula Sherman with Alanis King
Directed by
Alanis King and Alejandro Ronceria
Language and Cultural Advisory
Edna Manitowabi and Shirley Williams
Design
Lestor Alfonso
Gabriella Caruso
Tim Hill
Elizabeth Kantor
Kachina Sherman
Performance
Cherish Blood
Jonathan Fisher
Justin Manyfingers
Nimkii Osawamick
Hilary Wear
Music
Cris Derksen (composer, cellist)
Joy On Drums
Mazinaw Rocks Productions (Peterborough)
in partnership with Public Energy and Indigenous Performance Initiatives
presents Wisakedjak
Wisakedjak begins with the original Anishnaabe man, Nanabozho, waking up homeless, on Victoria Island in the Kitchi Zibi, Ottawa River, only to realize his people do not know him. He is sent on a journey to Mazinaw Rock, then back in time to confront Samuel de Champlain. Clan animals come alive and inhabit the playspace to provide council and rejuvenate Wisakedjak on his travels. “Part ritual, part ceremony with lots of humour; a captivating story of the Anishnaabek people (Algonquin).”
Wisakedjak was developed through the vision and thesis of Dr. Paula Sherman, at Trent University with support from Marrie Mumford, Canada Research Chair and Producer of Indigenous Performance Initiatives. It was first presented in workshop form during the 2012 Ode-min Giizis Festival in Peterborough.
The play is dedicated to Ojigkwanong, Grandfather William Commanda. He was born in 1913 and served as a chief for his community of Kitigan Zibi. Grandfather was the keeper of several sacred wampum belts, including the Seven Prophesy Belt. He traveled the world speaking about the importance of peace. He created the Circle of all Nations as a mechanism to make this happen. Grandfather passed onto the spirit world in August 2011.
First presented in workshop form during the 2012 Ode’min Giizis Festival in Peterborough, this presentation of Wisakedjak is the kick-off for the play’s premiere tour, including a performance at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.
Photos by Elizabeth Fennell
