In their first collaborative project, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and Théâtre Cercle Molière bring a new story with old roots to life.

An original, bilingual work marrying the magic of live theatre and live orchestra, it’s also, we believe, unique among recent Canadian artworks. The project is the fruit of dialogue among Théâtre Cercle Molière, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, elders and consultants from Indigenous communities, and some very talented and diverse artists, including director Geneviève Pelletier, composer Michael Oesterle, playwright Rhéal Cenerini, conductor Anne Manson, visual artist Cash Akoza, choreographer Lise McMillan, and actors / actresses Eric Plamondon, Edouard Lamontagne, Andrina Turenne, and Katrine Deniset.

Set sometime in the early modern period, Nanabush and the Drum / Nanabozho et le tambour tells the story of Gabriel, a coureur de bois, and his (mis)adventures with Daywayganatig, his more savvy love interest, and Nanabush, the Anishinaabe trickster figure. While its production coincides with Canada’s 150th anniversary, the play doesn’t ignore unjust historical realities by giving its characters’ relationships and conflicts a false or easy sense of resolution.

“I thought this play would be a wonderful opportunity to shatter some stereotypes and bring attention to those Indigenous women who, among other things gave birth to the Métis Nation but who were too easily forgotten,” says playwright Rhéal Cenerini. “I was particularly interested in focusing on the role, the characteristics, the knowledge, the skills of the indigenous women who have shaped the identity and the heritage of our province.”
Although not a rewriting of Indigenous mythology, the play offers a fresh take on its source material, Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale and strives to advance our understanding of what an orchestral experience might offer. It also reminds us, on the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary, of the rich diversity of this land’s heritage, and of the hard work and compassion without which reconciliation is impossible.

The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and Théâtre Cercle Molière present Nanabush and the Drum / Nanabozho et le tambour June 7 and 8 at 10:30 am and 7:30 pm at Westminster United Church (745 Westminster Ave). Evening concerts include a performance of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale

Tickets are $34 for adults, $32 for seniors, and $10 for students and are available at the door, or:

themco.ca
cerclemoliere.com
MCO’s Ticketline: (204) 783-7377
TCM’s Ticketline: (204) 233-8053
Organic Planet (877 Westminster Ave)
McNally Robinson (1120 Grant Ave)
West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Ave)