Native Theatre School Completes Another Year
By Niigonwedom (james sinclair)
(Wahpeton Dakota Nation, Saskatchewan) Laughter and cheers erupt as a young woman emerges from the forest having finished walking through it blindfolded, led only by the voices of fellow students. “Choose to believe in the whole, that will take you farthest,” says teacher and counselor Curtis Ahenakew after everyone completes the trust game.
From July 1-29, ten Aboriginal students from all over Canada attended Native Theatre School (NTS), a four week program run by the Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) in Toronto. CIT is a non-profit organization which provides training and education in the field of theatre, film and television for persons of Aboriginal ancestory. In addition to the NTS program CIT also runs a two year intensive acting training program in Toronto.
NTS was established by James Buller in 1974 to develop Aboriginal theatre through teaching technique and style in a distinct Aboriginal perspective. The school has previously taken place only in Ontario but due to the sponsorship of the Wahpeton Dakota Nation and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations it has been held in Saskatchewan for the past two years.
Students have embraced this style of instruction: “The NTS summer program was a tremendous experience for me with teachings from all aspects of theatre incorporated in a cultural state. I have gained knowledge and respect for who I am and where I come from,” explains Jami Wells, 23, from Vancouver, British Columbia.
The 2001 staff of NTS included some of the best-known Aboriginal artists and performers in Canada: Herbie Barnes (improvisation), Bernelda Wheeler (story-telling), Geraldine Manossa (dance), Boye Ladd (Traditional dance), Terrance Oxebin (Traditional drumming) Joyce Fossella and Flora Wallace (Traditional Singing). Many of the graduates of the NTS program have gone on to represent the core of First Nations performing artists in Canada.
The culmination of this year’s training was showcased at the Wahpeton Communiplex on July 26th and 27th at 8 p.m. in a collective creation entitled “Voices of Spirit”. This show featured work completely written and performed by the students of the school and was well-received by the Wahpeton community.
Carol Greyeyes has been the Artistic Director of the Native Theatre School and has been involved with the school for more than six years, “Every summer I see students really find themselves in this program and this year has been no exception. It is such an intense learning experience for all of them in such a short amount of time but this group has responded to the challenge.”
Students live together for the duration of the program and are between the ages of 16-31. They share daily living tasks such as washing and cleaning in-between their long workdays, often working from sunrise from sunset on their choreography, songs and memorization. “It’s hard work but the days go so fast, we’re learning so much all at once. I’ve never learned this much in a month,” says Cherish Blood, a Blackfoot from Blood Reserve, Alberta.
Students were challenged to believe in themselves and respect each others as artists and professionals during their four weeks of classes: “NTS helped me to find my voice, my rhythm. I discovered a culture I belong in,” says Cree performer and university student Brandy Bernard from Prince George, British Columbia.
Some students found different classes interesting and exciting from pow-wow dancing to hand-drum making and singing. “Boye Ladd really taught me to develop some new grass dancing moves!” exclaims Christopher Standing, 16, a Dakota youth from Saskatoon.
The community of Wahpeton has embraced NTS as a real source of empowerment, explains Chief Garry Standing: “We have been honored to have these young actors join us in our home for the past two summers. Many of our young people have taken part in the program and we have really enjoyed the shows.”
Some students use NTS as a springboard to further acting careers and others use it to just better themselves and their jobs. “I want to use the skills I learn here to improve my presentations and creative development in the classroom as an early childhood educator ,” says Vicki General, 31, a Mohawk from Six Nations who lives in Hamilton, Ontario.
Others used NTS for personal growth, such as Bobbilee Copeland, a T’itkit from Upper St’atmic, British Columbia: “Healing, growing and learning is what NTS is all about!”
Other students in the program were James Sinclair (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Candice Sanderson and Olivia Head (Wahpeton Dakota Nation, Saskatchewan).
Applications and further information on the Native Theatre School and the Centre for Indigenous Theatre can be found at http://www.interlog.com/~cit/cit.html or by phoning (416) 506-9436.