In Anishinaabemowin, the word Pimootayowin means “journey.” From October to May each year, the Pimootayowin Creators Circle journeys to discover their skills in storytelling and playwriting. The 2024 Pimootayowin: A Festival of New Work is the culmination of work developed by the artists over the past year. Since 2021, this festival has welcomed community members to engage in new and exciting pieces from local Indigenous voices. Please join us for these free public presentations, all are welcome.
Free admission
SEPTEMBER 23 The Buffalo in the Room by Erin McGregor Burnt out and broke, Marie moves from Alberta to Winnipeg to work as the head of Indigenous Relations for a large mining company. Believing this is her last opportunity for a fresh start and financial stability, Marie is disheartened by the pressures and disingenuousness of the corporate culture. Meanwhile, a bison, recently escaped from the Winnipeg Zoo, is on the lam, her ancestors are haunting her dreams in cryptic and comedic ways, and the ever-critical commentary of her 'White Angel' subconscious is driving her crazy. Sleep deprived, culture-shocked and questioning her decision to start over, Marie struggles to adapt to her new reality while reckoning with what her ancestors are trying to tell her. Ultimately, she must figure out how to live fully with one foot in each world. SEPTEMBER 24 Anyway by Gabriel Daniels I'll see you on the prairie. Harry Daniels is a Métis man from Regina Beach, Saskatchewan. A political leader with a vision, a vision to be carried on from where Riel left off. Harry is a unique individual, with a passion for life and with many interests and talents. His story told from humble beginnings with his many successes and struggles – from his life's dedication to the cause of Indigenous rights, his battles with the government to get Métis in the constitution in 1982, to the journey of getting Métis included in section 91/24. The highs and lows of his personal and family life. Told through a son’s perspective. Pieces by Mark Head After a renowned, and now retired, theatre actor is diagnosed with a degenerative mental illness, his past theatre characters come to him to help him accept his illness and face the ghosts of the past. SEPTEMBER 25 Love, Louis by Victoria Perrie Love, Louis is a poetic retelling of the life and trial of Louis Riel. We watch his personal journey through a retelling of Riel's poetry, experiencing love, loss, and commitment to his Nation to the bitter end. Love, Louis will remind you where the Métis came from and renew your vision of the Otipemisiwak's future. SEPTEMBER 26 In the Shadows Beyond the Pines by Rhonda Apetagon Amid the legends and mysteries of the vast wilderness of northern Manitoba, join three young men as they wrestle with the loss of their friend by reclaiming the cultural practice of having a sacred fire. Geroge, Dale and Shane venture back to their childhood campsite to honour the memory of their friend Warren. But when legends come to life and old tales are all they have left to guide them through the night, will their resolve succumb to terror? Set in modern times but steeped in a dark and haunting past, this play explores the shadows of Indigenous life and lore. In these woods, there are more than just wolves to fear. ADULT CONTENT: language, reference to suicide, violence SEPTEMBER 27 Big Wind: Is That an Indian Agent I Smell? by Jordan McPeek In this absurd comedy, Rod is an earnest Ojibwe field officer working for Indian Affairs. In other words, he’s like a grain of wheat between one enormous millstone called Canada and another called First Nations. Management is trying to break him. The Chief of Kishchee Nohttin (Big Wind) First Nation may be trying to kill him. And what might just be the biggest protest Canada has ever seen is brewing. Inspired by Jordan McPeek’s nearly 30-year career at Indian Affairs, Big Wind takes the audience beyond the headlines to enjoy an insider’s satire about how government works in First Nation country. It’ll make you laugh a lot and squirm a little.
SPONSORED BY