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 Unceded 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 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

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

• [e-mail] – 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

• [e-mail]

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

See also

• Holy Cross Church, Wikwemikong

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. Shannon Henen's An Oral History of De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre
2. Canadian Shakespears: Spotlight
3. De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group: Vision

External links

• Official website