De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group

Debajehmujig / De-ba-jeh-mu-jig - Storytellers (or informally as Debaj) is a First Nations theatre group based on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario.

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}" ^[1]. 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." ^[2]

Cheechoo was artistic director from 1983/1984 "until {in the later 1980s} it went to Wiky {Wikwemikong Uncede Indian Reserve}".^[1]

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^[who?] wanted to show the community exactly what the theatre was developing at the time"^[1]

The theatre strives to "bridge" the urban and rural, native and non-native communities and artists, traditional and contemporary forms of expression ^[3].

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^[1]

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."^[3]

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

Current Core Staff 2011/2012

Title	Name
Executive Director/Artistic Producer	Ron Berti
Artistic Director - Theatre	Joseph Osawabine
Artistic Director - School	Bruce Naokwegijig
Administrative Director - School	Joahnna Berti
Director of Technology	Chris Deforge
Cultural Community Liaison	Audrey Wemigwans
Costume/Fashion Manager	Carolyn Deforge
Finance Manager	Sharlene MacDonald
Shop Manager	Ashley Manitowabi
Lighting/Sound Director	David Osawabine
Visual Arts Director	Josh Peltier
IT Manager	Justin Deforge

PRODUCTION ARCHIVES

• TURNIP DAY - JIIS GIIZHIGAT

Mainstage production performed at the Holy Cross Mission Ruins - Wikwemikong, ON

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

• Norval – A Born Artist A New Creation by De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group based on the life and times of Norval Morrisseau

Performed at the Red Lake Woodland Arts Festival - Red Lake, ON

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

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

Based on Anishnaabeg Texts by Angeline Williams 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

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

Written by: Chris Craddock

Cultural Adaptation by De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group

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 Courtorielle, Bruce Naokwegijig, Joe Osawabine & Elisha Sidlar

2002

Ever! That Nanabush! - Tour

Adaptation of Traditional Stories as retold by Daphne Odjig

Director: Bruce Naokwegijig

Costume Design: Bill Shawanda

Performers: Sharon King, Joe Osawabine, Elisha Sidlar & Chris Wemigwans

Ever! That Nanabush!

Adaptation of Traditional Stories retold by Daphne Odjig

Director: Bruce Naokwegijig

Costume Design: Bill Shawanda

Set Design: Joe Osawabine

Performers: Cameron Courtorielle, Ralph Courtorielle, Sharon King, Tammy Manitowabi, Elisha Sidlar & Chris Wemigwans

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 Based on the Story by Daniel David Moses Adapted for the Stage by Director: Barbara Poggemiller

Performers: Gregor Jacko, Tamara Podemski, Crystal Lynn Shawanda & Michaela Washburn

New World Brave Millennium Project - A Group Creation of Inuk, Woodlands Ojibway, Odawa, Pottawatomi, Woodlands Cree, Innu and Metis Artists

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

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

10th anniversary production at the Holy Cross Mission Ruins in Wikwemikong Written by Drew Hayden Taylor

Director: Audrey Debassige

Performers: Bruce Naokwegijig, Gregory Dominic Odjig & Joe Osawabine

Toronto @dreamersrock.com

Written by Drew Hayden Taylor

World Premiere

Director: Jonathan Fisher

Performers: Bossy Ducharme, Jeffrey Eshkawkogan & Billy Shawanda

1998/ 1999

The Jerry Jessie Jones Show A Collective Creation - The Best Medicine Troupe and Family Life Theatre Director: Ron Berti – 1998 Director: Joe Osawabine - 1999 Performers: Adrian Gabrylewicz, Sandra Iles, Joe Osawabine, Bill Shawanda & Crystal Lynn Shawanda

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 A Collaborated Creation by members of the T’simshian, Inuit, and Ojibway Nation Director: David Skelton Performers: Darryl Bolton, Malaya Kango, Jayson Mablick, Tahnee Manitowabi, Bruce Naokwegijig, Gregory Odjig & Peter Tuesday

1997 & 1998

Biidaasigekwe - Sunlight Woman - Tour Based on Anishnaabeg Texts by Angeline Williams, Adapted for the Stage by Ron Berti 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

1996 & 1997

Broken Snowshoe Moon - Tours Written by Amie Lynn Ominika Directors: 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

The Tommy Prince Story Written by Alanis King-Odjig Director: Paul Thompson Set Design: - Performers: Glen Gould, Kevin Peltier & Shandra Spears

1994 & 1995

The Manitoulin Incident - (Remount 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

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

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 - 1989 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

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 Written by Tomson Highway Director: Larry E. Lewis Performers: Jeffrey Eshkawkogan, Mary Green, Tomson Highway, Meika Kleist & Doris Linklater

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

• The Rez Sisters by Tomson Highway, was first workshopped and developed De-ba-jeh-mu-jig theatre in February 1986.
• A Ridiculous Spectacle in One Act (aka Many-Toe Lynn Aileen) by Tomson Highway developed out of workshops done in 1985
• Shadow People by Shirley Cheechoo
• Path With No Moccasins by Shirley Cheechoo

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

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Shannon Henen's An Oral History of De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre
2. ^ Canadian Shakespears: Spotlight
3. ^ ^{a b} De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group: Vision

External links

• Official website