Indigenous Theatre Arts in Canada
Storytellers and Performances since Ancient Times
Festivals and ceremonies contained many of the same elements as those found in Europe.
Ancient Theatrical Dramas in Canada
Ancient Greeks attributed their theatrical abilities to Apollo, god of music, poetry, and the arts. Medieval priests and monks derived hymns from divine inspiration. Indigenous peoples’ ancient songs and rituals derived from dreams and visions that gave them close communion with the spirits.
For centuries, aboriginal people have performed songs and theatrical dramas. Their dances and portrayals of mythical characters and their story telling were of significant importance in their lives long before European contact.
Storyteller Important History Teacher
Universally, the telling of traditional stories has been vital to the lives of people. The eloquent, humorous, and persuasive indigenous storyteller was able to engage the audience collectively. Legends and oral narratives about mythological characters were meant to share values, beliefs, and personal events.
Storytellers were traditionally selected for their abilities to remember history and traditions. Of importance was the ability to tell the stories and to perform with masks and/or costumes to convey the characters. They creatively demonstrated the actions of the characters whose stories they told.
Stories taught lessons and explained the reasons for life as it was. The pure enjoyment of listening and watching a clever storyteller was an important reason to attend the performances. Audience members were frequently drawn into the presentation to react or respond..
Creation Stories, Legends, and Mythical Characters
There were variations in performances from one group of indigenous people to another just as there were elsewhere. Each group had its own creation story and its trickster, but similarities were obvious.
In the tradition of storytelling, the audience is taken on a journey through dramatic enactments. Through physical actions, the entertainer conveyed the sounds and motions of the story’s environment. The audience heard waves washing upon a shore or the wind moving through the trees, for example.
Central to many tales was the mythological culture hero such as Raven or Coyote. Today that character is often referred to as the trickster. With rich imaginations, storytellers told magical tales of human relationship to natural and supernatural environments. With the inclusion of dance dramas, songs, drums, and flutes, the presentations were as theatrical as any displayed in Europe.
Potlatch Theatrical Performances
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coastal areas practiced the special event known as the potlatch. The purpose was to celebrate a variety of events such as births, deaths, accumulation and sharing of wealth. There was always great feasting during the potlatch that could last for several days.
Potlatch performances included storytelling and the sharing of oral history. Frequently, entertainers wearing regalia and masks performed elaborate dances and songs that reflected the hosts’ genealogy and wealth.
Sources:
- The Indians of Canada by Diamond Jenness, University of Toronto Press, 1932
- Before the Country: Native Renaissance, Canadian Mythology by Stephanie McKenzie, University of Toronto Press, 2007
Raven Creation Story By Bill Reid
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Potlatch With Singers And Dancers
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Ojibwa Leader Wearing Full Regalia
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