Debajehmujig Theatre Project
Watt Public School
June 16 - 21, 2011
Project Coordinator: Jen Morgan Anderson
Project Assistant: Emma Lovell
Teachers: Mrs. Dufton, Mrs. Rudge
Artists: Ashlee Manitowabi, Jess Peltier, Josh Peltier, Isaac Rendell
Photos by Emma Lovell
This project involved the Grade 4/5 and 6 classes at Watt Public School. Four artists from Debajehmujig Theatre on Manitoulin Island worked with Watt students and teachers in preparation for a performance on June 21st, National Aboriginal Day.
Check out the video documentary of the project:
Josh and Isaac worked with the Grade 4/5 class to create an awesome, "Stomp"-style performance. Starting with simple rhythm games, the students learned to work together to create increasingly complex rhythmic compositions. On the second day, instruments like shakers, dowels and cowbells were added, and students worked in small groups to come up with their own beats. One group choreographed a "robot dance" to go along with the performance.
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Jess and Ashlee worked with the Grade 6 class to produce a dramatic presentatin of the Ojibway creation story. After participating in improv activities, students picked their roles, developed the staging, and made all of their own costumes and props for the play.
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The students and teachers worked with the artists for three full days, preparing for two performances on June 21st, National Aboriginal Day.
On the morning of June 21st, parents and community members were invited to attend a performance at the school.
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Principal Sharon Stahls welcomes the audience |
Josh explains what the students have been working on |
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The Grade 4/5 Class performs |
The Grade 6 class takes a bow |
After the school performance, the students took a bus to Red Leaves Resort in Minett to take part in the Aboriginal Day Celebrations there. They got to meet Oji-Cree artist Gord Miller, and environmental artist Marc Walter, who showed the students how they work and let them try some of their techniques.
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Gord demonstrates his painting techniques |
Taking a closer look at Gord's work |
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Checking out the rest of the gallery |
Talking to Marc about his sculpture in progress |
Next the students got to participate in a performance by the Singing Birds from nearby Wahta First Nation.
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Finally, the students performed for their parents, grandparents and resort guests. Everyone was amazed at how much the students had accomplished in just 4 short days!
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We had a great time working with the staff and students at Watt Public School. Special thanks to Shelley Mierle at the TLDSB for supporting the project, and of course to our amazing artists: Josh, Jess, Ashlee and Isaac, from Debajehmujig Theatre.
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An article about the project that appeared in The Muskokan:
Funding for this project was provided by:
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Muskoka Lakes |
Celebrate Canada |
Cultural Strategic |