De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group

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Debajehmujig / De-ba-jeh-mu-jig - Storytellers (or informally as Debaj) is a First Nations theatre group and multi-arts organization based in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario. Debaj is the longest running Indigenous theatre in North America.[1]

History[]

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig is from the Ojibwe (debaajimoojig) and Cree (tepācimūcik), both meaning "storytellers". De-ba-jeh-mu-jig was founded by Shirley Cheechoo, Blake Debassige and colleagues in 1984 in M'Chigeeng First Nation (formerly known as West Bay) on Manitoulin Island. In 1989, the company moved to Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve (Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory). In addition to being located in Wiikwemkoong, the company operates the De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Creation Centre in Manitowaning.[2] The main stage is the open air stage in the ruins of the Holy Cross Mission in Wiikwemkoong.[1] The company plays throughout Canada under its Outreach program. The company was established so that "Native youth be given the opportunity to see themselves and their lives reflected on the stage, in the characters, in the stories, in the experiences portrayed."[3]

Core Staff 2019/2020[]

Title Name
General Manager Lynda Trudeau
Technical/Media Director, Facility Manager Chris Deforge
Artistic Director Bruce Naokwegijig
Administrative Director Joahnna Berti
IT Director, Media Manager, Videographer Justin Deforge
Sustainable Program Facilitator, Carpenter Ashley Manitowabi
Finance Manager Sharlene MacDonald
Music Dept. Head/Audiographer Jason Manitowabi
Traditional Teachings, Lighting Technician David Osawabine
Graphic Designer, Arts Animator Samantha Brenan
Financial Administrator Dallas Bondy

Production archives[]

2008
  • TURNIP DAY – JIIS GIIZHIGAT
Creation Team: Bruce Naokwegijig, Ron Berti, Jonathan Fisher, Vanessa Ominika, Jessica Wilde, Tabitha Peltier, Matthew Manitowabi, Joe Osawabine, Josh Peltier & Joahnna Berti
Director: Bruce Naokwegijig with Ron Berti
Costumes: Bill Shawanda
Set construction: Ashley Manitowabi
Musical Support: Gregory Hoskins
Props: Josh Peltier, Ashley Manitowabi
Performers: Jonathan Fisher, Vanessa Ominika, Jessica Wilde, Tabitha Peltier, Matthew Manitowabi with Joe Osawabine, Josh Peltier & Bruce Naokwegijig
Note: Mainstage production performed at the Holy Cross Mission Ruins, Wiikwemkoong First Nation
  • Norval – A Born Artist – A New Creation by De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group based on the life and times of Norval Morrisseau
Director: Joe Osawabine
Creative Consultant: Ron Berti
Costumes: Bill Shawanda
Musical Support: Gregory Hoskins
Technical Assistance: David (Sunny) Osawabine & Barry Beaver
Creation Team/Performers: Joe Osawabine, Joahnna Berti, Matthew Manitowabi, Josh Peltier, Bill Shawanda, Gregory Hoskins, Jessica Wilde, Ron Berti & Kristen Wakegijig
Note: Performed at the Red Lake Woodland Arts Festival, Red Lake, Ontario
2007
  • The Gulch
Creation Team: John Turner, Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar, Matthew Manitowabi, Josh Peltier, Ron Berti, Bruce Naokwegijig & Joahnna Berti
Director: John Turner
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Set Design: Josh Peltier
Set construction Consultant: Gino Cacciotti
Performers: Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar, Matthew Manitowabi, Josh Peltier, Bruce Naokwegijig, and Tabitha Peltier
2006
  • Biidaasigekwe – Sunlight Woman
Adapted for the stage by Ron Berti
Co-directors: Ron Berti and Joe Osawabine
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Performers: Violet (Rosa) Burke-Pitawanakwat, Dan Czech, Bernadette Eshkawkogan, Meegwun Fairbrother, Eli Kavanaugh, Joshua Peltier & Jessica Wilde
Note: Based on Anishnaabeg Texts by Angeline Williams
2005
  • The Indian Affairs
Creation Team: Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar and Ron Berti with Shelagh Hughes, Eli Kavanaugh, Kotnee, Tammy Manitowabi-Shawanda, Doreen Peltier, Josh Peltier & Evelyn Roy
Set Design: Ron Berti
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Performers: Shelagh Hughes, Eli Kavanaugh, Kotnee, Tammy Manitowabi-Shawanda, Joe Osawabine, Doreen Peltier, Josh Peltier, Evelyn Roy & Elisha Sidlar
2004/2005
  • Billy – Cultural Adaptation by De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group
Written by: Chris Craddock
Performers: Eli Kavanaugh, Ashley Manitowabi, Joe Osawabine, Brenda Peeteetuce & Elisha Sidlar
2004
  • Your Dream Was Mine
Written by Shirley Cheechoo and Greta Cheechoo
Director: Kate Lushington
Set Design: Peter Jones
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Stage Management: Jeff Trudeau
Performers: Tina Louise Bomberry, Gloria May Eshkibok & Gregory Dominic Odjig
  • The Gift
Story & Teachings by Eddie King
Additional writing and Dramaturgy by Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar, and Paula Wing
Masks by Theo Dragonieri
Performers: Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar & Jimy Sidlar-Bebonang
  • The Promise – Original Dance
Director/Writer/Choreographer: Karen Pheasant
Performers: Nyla Carpentier, Michelle Elliot & Elizabeth Trudeau
2003
  • A Trickster’s Tale
Written by Tomson Highway
Director: John Turner
Set Design: Peter Jones
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Performers: Cameron Courtoreille, Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine & Elisha Sidlar
2002
  • Ever! That Nanabush! – Tour
Director: Bruce Naokwegijig
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Performers: Sharon King, Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar & Chris Wemigwans
Note: Adaptation of Traditional Stories as retold by Daphne Odjig
  • Ever! That Nanabush!
Director: Bruce Naokwegijig
Costume Design: Bill Shawanda
Set Design: Joe Osawabine
Performers: Cameron Courtorielle, Ralph Courtorielle, Sharon King, Tammy Manitowabi, Elisha Sidlar & Chris Wemigwans
Note: Adaptation of Traditional Stories as retold by Daphne Odjig
2001/2002
  • The Dreaming Beauty – Tour
Written by Daniel David Moses
Adapted for the Stage by Director: Barbara Poggemiller 2001
Remount Director: Joe Osawabine 2002
Performers: Rachell Arbez, Ralph Courtorielle, Sharon King, Joe Osawabine, Angie Pitawanakwat, Harmony Rice, Kira Sandel, Michaela Washburn & Amy White
2001
  • New World Brave – Remount A Group Creation
Director: David Skelton with John Turner
Performers: Cameron Courtorielle, Raistlen Jones, Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine & Chris Wemigwans
2000
  • The Dreaming Beauty
Adapted for the stage by Director: Barbara Poggemiller
Performers: Gregor Jacko, Tamara Podemski, Crystal Lynn Shawanda & Michaela Washburn
Note: Based on the story by Daniel David Moses
  • New World Brave
Director: David Skelton with Alejandro Ronceria, Eddie King and Deanna Sager
Performers: James Bear, Cameron Courtorielle, Raistlen Jones, Lamech Kadloo, Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine & Chris Wemigwans
Note: Millennium Project – A group creation of Inuk, Woodlands Ojibwe, Odawa, Potawatomi, Woodlands Cree, Innu and Metis Artists
1999
  • Toronto@dreamersrock.com – Tour
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Audrey Debassige, Assistant Director: Bossy Ducharme
Performers: Bruce Naokwegijig, Greg Odjig & Joe Osawabine
  • Toronto At Dreamer’s Rock
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Audrey Debassige
Performers: Bruce Naokwegijig, Gregory Dominic Odjig & Joe Osawabine
Note: 10th anniversary production at the Holy Cross Mission Ruins, Wiikwemkoong First Nation
  • Toronto@dreamersrock.com
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Jonathan Fisher
Performers: Bossy Ducharme, Jeffrey Eshkawkogan & Billy Shawanda
Note: World Premiere
1998/1999
  • The Jerry Jessie Jones Show
Director: Ron Berti – 1998
Director: Joe Osawabine – 1999
Performers: Adrian Gabrylewicz, Sandra Iles, Joe Osawabine, Bill Shawanda & Crystal Lynn Shawanda
Note: A Collective Creation - The Best Medicine Troupe and Family Life Theatre
1998
  • Please Do Not Touch The Indians
Written by Joseph A. Dandurand
Director: Ron Bert, Assistant Director: Joe Osawabine
Set Design: Karin Jones
Performers: Jeffrey Eshkawkogan, Elijah Kavannaugh, Joe Osawabine, Brandy Peltier & Shandra Spears
  • Sky – An Aboriginal Cross-Cultural Dance Drama
Director: David Skelton
Performers: Darryl Bolton, Malaya Kango, Jayson Mablick, Tahnee Manitowabi, Bruce Naokwegijig, Gregory Dominic Odjig & Peter Tuesday
Note: A Collaborated Creation by members of the T’simshian, Inuit, and Ojibwe Nations
1997/1998
  • Biidaasigekwe - Sunlight Woman – Tour
Director: Ron Berti
Performers: Sally Atchitiwens, Faith Ann Manitowabi, Mary Lou Manitowabi, Bruce Naokwegijig, Gregory Dominic Odjig, : Joe Osawabine, Kevin Peltier, Sophie Pheasant, Shandra Spears & Peter Tuesday
Note: Based on Anishnaabeg Texts by Angeline Williams, Adapted for the Stage by Ron Berti
1996/1997
  • Broken Snowshoe Moon – Tours
Written by Amie Lynn Ominika
Director: Shirley Cheechoo – 1996
Remount Director: Audrey Debassige – 1997
Performers: Levi Aguonie, Greta Cheechoo, Walter Mejaki, Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine, Billy Shawanda & Bertha Trudeau
  • Lost Warrior
Written by Darrel Manitowabi
Directors: Shirley Cheechoo – 1996
Remount Director: Audrey Debassige – 1997
Performers: Levi Aguonie, Greta Cheechoo, Walter Mejaki, Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine, Billy Shawanda & Bertha Trudeau
1996
  • The Best Medicine Show – A Collective Creation
Director: Enio Mascherin & Vinetta Strombergs
Performers: Justine Enosse, Jeffrey Eshkawkogan, Francis Kaboni, Karen Manitowabi, Mary Lou Manitowabi, Bruce Naokwegijig, Gregory Dominic Odjig, Joe Osawabine, Genevieve Peltier, Joshua Peltier, Kevin Peltier, Leroy Peltier, Sophie Pheasant, Violet (Rosa) Pitawanakwat, Joni Roy & Marilyn Roy
1995
  • Lupi, The Great White Wolf – Remount Tour
Written by Esther Jacko
Director: Alanis King-Odjig & Alejandro Ronceria
Set Design: Stephan Droege
Costume Design: Linda Leon
Performers: Justine Enosse, Gloria Eshkibok, Gregory Dominic Odjig (Fisher), Rona George, Tahnee Manitowabi, Vince Manitowabi, Bruce Noakwegijig, Clayton Odjig, Joe Osawabine, Joshua Peltier, Leroy Peltier, Angie Pitawanakwat & Billy Shawanda
1994/1995
  • The Manitoulin Incident – Remount Tour in 1995
Written by Alanis King-Odjig
Director: Paul Thompson
Set Design: Karin Jones
Performers: Levi Aguonie, Gilbert Clements, Mark Dieter, Gloria May Eshkibok, Bruno Gaudette, Rona George, Cherylynn Kitchikake, Sandra Laronde, Louis Lefebvre, Doris Linklater, April Manitowabi, Vince Manitowabi, Bruce Noakwegijig, Jack Nicholsen, Clayton Odjig, Joey Osawabine, Leroy Peltier, Vicky Peltier & Angeline Pitawanakwat
1994
  • The Tommy Prince Story
Written by Alanis King-Odjig
Director: Paul Thompson
Set Design:
Performers: Glen Gould, Kevin Peltier & Shandra Spears
1993
  • If Jesus Met Nanabush – Tour
Written by Alanis King-Odjig
Director: Anne Anglin
Performers: Sharon King, Alon Nashman & Clayton Odjig
  • New Voices Woman – Tour
Written by Larry E. Lewis
Director: Alanis King Odjig
Performers: Levi Aguonia, Gilbert Clements, Leonard Lacquette, Carmen Moore & Maria Whitefish
  • New Voices Woman
Written by Larry E. Lewis
Director: Alanis King Odjig with Alejandro Ronceria
Set Design: Linda Leon
Performers: Levi Aguonie, David Assiniwe, Jeffrey Eshkawkogan, Gloria Eshkibok, Rona George, Francis Kaboni, Anonghous Kitchikake, Pamela Manitowabi, Shannon Manitowabi, Vince Manitowabi, Bruce Naokwegijig, Kristine Ominika, Joe Osawabine, Duke Peltier, Joshua Peltier & Adam Shawana
1992
  • 20th Century Indian Boy
Written by Mark Seabrook
Director: Alanis King-Odjig
Performers: Jerome Basque, Jonathan Fisher, Julia Pegahmagabow & Mark Seabrook
  • Someday
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Herbie Barnes, Joy Keeper, Doris Linklater & Edna Manitowabi
1991/1992
  • Lupi, The Great White Wolf – Mainstage & Touring
Written by Esther Jacko
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Harvey Bell, Jonathon Debassige, Justine Enosse, Gloria Eshkibok, Gregory Dominic Odjig (Fisher), Jonathon Fisher, Rona George, Shannon Manitowabi, Bruce Noakwegijig, Clayton Odjig, Joe Osawabine, Leroy Peltier, Crystal Lynn Shawanda & Ruby Trudeau
  • Path With No Moccasins
Written by Shirley Cheechoo
Director:
Performers:
1990
  • First Love
Written by Diane Debassige
Director: Vinetta Strombergs
Performers: Diane Debassige, Michael Johns, Mark Seabrook & Wyonna Wesley
  • Quest For Fire
Written by Lenore Keeshig-Tobias
Director: Vinetta Strombergs
Performers: Diane Debassige, Michael Johns, Mark Seabrook & Wyonna Wesley The
  • Bootlegger Blues
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Herbie Barnes, Justine Enosse, Gloria Eshkibok, Jani Lauzon, Dwayne Manitowabi, Billy Merasty & Clayton Odjig
  • Pictures on the Wall
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Audrey Debassige, Rob Hunter, Vince Latrimoulle & Bernadette Wassengeso
  • Word Magic
Written by Lenore Keeshig-Tobias
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Audrey Debassige, Rob Hunter, Vince Latrimoulle & Bernadette Wassengeso
  • The Thunderbird Children
Written by Esther Jacko
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Audrey Debassige, Rob Hunter, Vince Latrimoulle & Bernadette Wassengeso
1989
  • Education Is Our Right
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Debbie Anwhatin, Bruce Armstrong, Jack Burning
  • Toronto At Dreamer’s Rock
Written by Drew Hayden Taylor
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Herbie Barnes, Jeffrey Eshkawkogan & Dwayne Manitowabi
  • The Rez Sisters
Written by Tomson Highway
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Audrey Debassige, Gloria Eshkibok, Pokey Fox, Sheri Jacko, Clayton Odjig, Gordie Odjig, Gina Simon Gasongi & Rose Marie Trudeau
Note: first workshopped and developed De-ba-jeh-mu-jig theatre in February 1986.
1988
  • Nanabush of the 80's
Written by Kennetch Charlette, Shirley Cheechoo & Alanis King
Performers: Monty Bass, Kennetch Charlette, Shirley Cheechoo, Gloria Eshkibok, Alanis King & Gordie Odjig
1986
  • Aria
Written by Tomson Highway
Directed by Larry E. Lewis
  • Nothing Personal
Written by Shirley Cheechoo & Alanis King
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Gloria Eshkibok, Alanis King & Rose Marie Trudeau
  • Ayash
Written by Jim Morris
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Anne McCue, Shirley Cheechoo, Ron Cook & Rene Highway
1985
  • A Ridiculous Spectacle in One Act (aka Many-Toe Lynn Aileen)
Written by Tomson Highway
Director: Larry E. Lewis
Performers: Jeffrey Eshkawkogan, Mary Green, Tomson Highway, Meika Kleist & Doris Linklater
Note: this production developed out of workshops done in 1985
1984
  • Shadow People
Written by Shirley Cheechoo
Director: Vinetta Strombergs
Performers: Shirley Cheechoo, Ron Cook, Jeffrey Eshkawkogan, Mary Green, Tomson Highway Doris Linklater & Dwayne Manitowabi
  • Respect the Voice of the Child
Written by Shirley Cheechoo & Billy Merasty
Director: Shirley Cheechoo
Performers: Mark Bruder, Shirley Cheechoo, Cynthia Debassige, Diane Debassige, Lawrence Martin & Billy Merasty

See also[]

  • Holy Cross Church, Wikwemikong

Notable alumni[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Hengen, Shannon (December 27, 2018). "De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre". Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  2. ^ "About the Company". De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Creation Centre. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  3. ^ Canadian Shakespears: Spotlight

External links[]

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