Takwakin Cultural Initiative is putting on a theatrical performance, called Antigone.
It was presented Monday and Thursday at the Sakimay First Nation and at Sakewew High School, in North Battleford Wednesday.
Takwakin Cultural Initiative is the only on-reserve based theatre company in the province. The company is devoted to the revitalization, development and promotion of traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistic practises.
Takwakin's activities include traditional arts development, youth workshops, environmental and health workshops and music and theatrical performances. It was formerly called The Takwakin Performance Lab, which created and developed the drama Governor of the Dew, which was performed at the Globe Theatre, the National Arts Centre and for Prince Edward's royal visit in 2004, and excerpts forthe governor general inaugurationin 2005. The Governor of the Dew will be performed in French in Montreal in the 2012 theatre season.
Antigone is written by Deanne Kasokeo, a laywer and playwright from the Poundmaker Cree Nation, and the director, Floyd Favel, has had his work presented in the the National Arts Centre, Santa Fe Institute of Americal Indian Arts, the Denver Museum and National Museum of the American Indian.
This one hour production highlights the conflict between traditional governance models and modern colonial governance systems. It is highly educational for First Nations youth and excellent for First Nation schools and organizations. This drama is appropriate for non First Nations people as it offers a window into contemporary issues. Governance is at the heart of any discussion in regards to the future of First Nations people in this country.
Antigone is adapted from the ancient Greek classic, Antigone, written by Sophocles. The production is set on a contemporary reserve that is struggling with a political issue. An idealistic young native woman, Antigone,goes against her uncle, Chief Creon. Creon refuses to allow the burial of Polynices, her brother, on the reserve due to the fact Polynises ran against the chief in the last election and was calling for an opening of the financial books. This production utilizes the Cree language as it conveys ancient wisdom relevant for today's issues on reserves.
Following the play, a question and answer session will take place about the issues expressed in the drama. The performance opens in March, and is open for bookings and touring from April to May 2011.
