The roots of Cree drama

Abstract

This study examines the foundation of contemporary Cree performance, tracing its existence to traditional Cree narratives. Contained within traditional Cree stories is the trickster, Wasakaychak. These oral stories are shared collectively, providing the community with relevant cultural knowledge. The thesis concludes that contemporary Cree playwrights and performers such as Shirley Cheechoo and Margo Kane maintain the roles of traditional storytellers because their work informs its audience about the history of the land and also comments on the state of the community. This study further demonstrates how the mythological character, Wasakaychak, remains an active part of Cree society by examining his significance within Tomson Highway's plays, The Rez Sisters and Dry Lips Oughta Move to kapuskasing.