De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre: The Eagle Makes its Nest

After more than 20 years of existence, the De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group (Manitoulin Island) inaugurated its training and creation centre.

“As we move into this new phase of growth and change, we will do so with our friends and neighbours, and as many of the artists and craftsmen and regular community people as possible. We will make a clear gesture of welcome to both native and non-native, and we will celebrate this landmark achievement through the presentation of new works in a variety of disciplines, generated by the people of Manitoulin.”

With Canada Council support, the group designed several arts activities that will celebrate the collective's creative potential. Assembled under the heading Searching for the Trickster in the 21st Century, they will explore the character of the trickster in Canadian theatre.

Poets and writers will participate in a story competition that will culminate in the dramatic adaptation of the winning texts. Visual artists, set painters and costume designers will also focus on the theme. Another literary and artistic contest will be aimed at students, with the texts and works of finalists published in the island weekly and exhibited in the centre. A more elaborate exhibition will look at the representation of the trickster on professional stages across Canada. And finally, the spoken word artist Smelly Cat - Indian Poet will be the first artist in residence, and will explore the theme and create a performance for the finale.

All of these 60-odd finalists and artists are expected to gather during the winter of 2008 “to celebrate their personal exploration of the theme from their point of view, in their medium and discipline.”