We saw Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing many years ago, and thought it was excellent.Somehow we managed to miss this play, which was written around the same time and wondered whether it would hold up to the passage of time.It certainly does.
This production used a color blind cast, which might have been a problem if the cast or the direction had been weaker. but the cast, regardless of race, was uniformly excellent. I list them below, so I can remember the cast and the characters. Zhaboonigan Peterson - Cara Gee, Philomena Moosetail - Kyra Harper, Annie Cook - Djennie Laguerre, Pelajia Patchnose - Jani Lauzon, Nanabush - Billy Merasty, Marie-Adele Starblanket, Emily Dictionary - Michaeal Washburn, Weronique St Pierre - Jean Yoon.
The story is universal - a message that is probably stronger with a mixed cast than if it were an all aboriginal cast. Everyone wants something better out of life. Everyone wants to be loved and to be happy.
It was particularly depressing to see this play and think of what has been happening at Attawapiskat, where they need a lot more than a new road. so the aboriginal issues are also,still relevant and important.
Excellent production.
ReplyDeleteThe play held up well - really funny, even as it is sad that the dreams of the sisters are so small. Nobody in Canada should have to dream of such things.
Although the play is very Canadian, the stories are universal, so this is one that should survive.
I am glad we finally got to see it.