• Theatre

Okinum

Showing on Feb 2-3 (In-person); Feb 2-5 (Online)

Playing at Anvil Theatre

Digital collage of Émilie Monnet, with long dark hair dressed in black, sitting and stroking a large beaver illustrated in orange and red. the entire background is bright blue, and the surface of the water has outlined irregular shapes in gradient shades of blue.

Productions Onishka with AnAku and KVS Production (Canada)

In this hypnotic monologue performance, Émilie Monnet interprets a recurring dream and transmits a message of empowerment to the audience. In Anishinaabemowin, the word “okinum” means “dam,” and the narrative of Monnet’s dream involves a giant beaver; the symbolism is rooted in Anishinaabe worldview and far-reaching in its significance.

Making creative use of live sound and visual storytelling techniques, Okinum is a vivid and immersive experience. No small factor in its power is the ambient, atmospheric live score by Jackie Gallant; it underscores Monnet’s words and gestures superbly. Mixing three languages–English, French and Anishinaabemowin–Monnet captivates our attention, demands understanding and grants catharsis.

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Artist Bio

Émilie Monnet

At the intersection of theater, performance and media arts, the practice of Émilie Monnet is most often presented in the form of interdisciplinary theater or performative installations. She founded Onishka Productions in 2011 in an effort to foster links between Indigenous performers of different disciplines, and has since created several theatrical performances as well as producing Indigenous Contemporary Scene, a nomadic platform for live arts made by Indigenous artists. Émilie is Anishinaabe and French, and she currently lives in both the Outaouais and Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyaang/Montreal.

Venue

Anvil Theatre

777 Columbia Street, New Westminster

Showtimes

  • February 2: 7:30 +Online
  • February 3: 7:30 +Online
  • February 4: Online
  • February 5: Online

Runtime: 65 mins, no intermission

Post-show talkback: Feb 2

Content Advisory

Smudging ceremony produces scents and smoke

Tickets

In-Person: $39
Buy In-Person

Streaming: $25
Buy Streaming

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Access

Icon signalling a performance suitable for the blind or partially sighted

Live Description + touch tour at 6.30pm on Feb 3

To see or download the visual story, click here. The visual story can help you decide if this show is right for you or help you prepare for the experience.

Credits

WRITER, TRANSLATOR, CO-DIRECTOR AND PERFORMER Émilie Monnet CO-DIRECTORS Emma Tibaldo and Sarah Williams SOUND DESIGNER AND PERFORMER Jackie Gallant SET DESIGNER Simon Guilbault LIGHTING DESIGNER Lucie Bazzo COSTUME DESIGNER Caroline Monnet VIDEO DESIGNER Clark Ferguson PRODUCTION Onishka in collaboration with AnAku

Partners