De ba jeh mu jig Theatre Group

History

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig is from the Ojibwe (debaajimoojig) and Cree (tepācimūcik), both meaning "storytellers". De-ba-jeh-mu-jig grew out of West Bay (now known as M'Chigeeng) Children's Theatre which was founded by Shirley Cheechoo. In 1981, Cheechoo was asked to "host the theatre part of the festival {of sharing}". Presently, 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."

Cheechoo was artistic director from 1983/1984 "until {in the later 1980s} it went to Wiky {Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve}".

The theatre has a strong history of community involvement. Shirley Cheechoo has stated that "usually every time we did some kind of workshop or even if it was in writing we would do a reading just to show the community what we were doing. Wa walsy wanted to show the community exactly what the theatre was developing at the time"

The theatre strives to "bridge" the urban and rural, native and non-native communities and artists, traditional and contemporary forms of expression.

Its repertoire generally presents plays reflecting Native culture, and tours Canada. Shirley Cheechoo, talking about touring, suggests that

it's very wise to tour because most of the issues and situations that happen on one reserve are happening on every reserve. I thought it would be best to share what come up with other communities

The theatre's mandate, which was changed in 1993 by its board of directors, states that Debaj "is a professional community based non-profit organization dedicated to the vitalization of the Anishnaabeg Culture, Language and Heritage, through education and the sharing of original creative expression with Native and Non-Native people."

Debaj is one of two professional Native theatres in Ontario and is the longest running Native theatre in North America.

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, Wikwemikong, Ontario

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

[email protected] – 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, Wikwemikong, Ontario

[email protected]

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 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 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 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 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

Notable alumni

Shirley Cheechoo — founder, actor, playwright, artistic director, board member

Tomson Highway — playwright, actor, artistic director (1984/85)

Larry Lewis — artistic director (1985/86).

Alanis King — actress, artistic director

Rene Highway — actor

Drew Hayden Taylor — actor, playwright