Youth theatre takes a new look at an old story

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A touring troupe from the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Group presented their latest production, "Love Songs from a War Drum," at the Okimaw Healing Lodge on April 29 as part of the 2001 Circle of Voices Saskatchewan Tour.

The theatre company features a teenage cast that has been developed through a series of drama workshops conducted by the theatre group. While most of the actors have stage experience, the training focuses on the cultural component. The cast were introduced to healing and talking circles, as well as Elders teachings and sweatlodge ceremonies.

"The cultural and spiritual element is a very important part of the cast's development. The cast is drawn from a number of First Nations bands across Western Canada," explained artistic director Kennetch Charlette, from Sandy Bay, Sask.

"Everyone in the cast and crew is encouraged to be alcohol and drug free. This is truly a case of walking the walk and talking the talk."

The play story line evolved following a series of talking circles with cast members. Writers developed the outline from the members' experiences.

"Love Songs from a War Drum" tells the story of two young lovers, Tanis and Rathan, who become caught up in gang warfare because of relatives. Eventually they die in tragic circumstances as they try to flee the chaos that is enveloping them.

Themes for the 2001 production emphasize four elements; love, family, identity and gangs. Although it is easy to draw similarities with Shakespeare's classic "Romeo and Juliet," "Love Songs" is set in today's urban Canada and focuses on the problems and pressures facing many First Nations' youth as they struggle to find their identity in an often conflicting and confining society.

"The production is targeted toward the eight- to 12-year-old group," Charlette said.

The movement and spirit of "Love Songs" is infectious. The fight scenes are both realistic and energetic, while the young cast's enthusiasm gives drive to the message that we all must change or be consumed by the hatred and conflicts in our societies. The producers believe the underlying messages of the story can apply equally to all Canadians.

Cheryl Arcand , a 16-year-old high school student from Kawacatoose First Nation, began acting about four years ago with the On Stage Performing Arts Program in Saskatoon. She plays the lovelorn Tanis.

"I love the adrenaline rush when you're performing before an audience," she said.

Arcand believes the play has a message for all young people and may help some. "I see the arguing and fighting around some of my friends and family," she said.

Mitchell Poundmaker, a 19-year-old from Little Pine First Nation, is a Grade 12 student at Saskatoon's Joe Duquette school. Poundmaker plays Rathan, from an opposing gang, who falls for the beautiful Tanis. Poundmaker has been involved in drama programs since Grade 10, playing roles in several other productions including "If a Tree Falls" and "The Perfect Rose."

Mitchell readily admits much of the action in the play is violent, but believes that the shock value of the climax may open some young eyes and help them to change their lives.

"Sometimes it takes a shock to shake people's complacence," he said.

The healing lodge was the first time the touring company played in a correctional institution, where the residents enthusiastically received the production. They have since played to a packed house at the provincially managed North Battleford Youth Centre. The theatre group has been encouraged by the positive response of the production from both these audiences.