Okinum

by ïmilie Monnet

Overview

In Anishnaabemowin, Okinum means dam. In deciphering a recurring dream about beavers, Émilie Monnet discovers how to break down interior barriers, to trust in the power of intuition, and to deconstruct cultural walls. A circular and immersive experience that interweaves three languages —2 English, French and Anishnaabemowin —2 Okinum is an ode to reclaiming language and reconnecting to one's ancestors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781927922934
Publisher:	J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing
Publication date:	09/30/2022
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.23(d)

About the Author

At the intersection of theatre, performance and media arts, Émilie Monnet's practice is centred on collaborative creations. Her work has most often taken the form of interdisciplinary theatre and immersive performance experiences. As a writer, performer, and director, Monnet created Okinum, a piece which is firmly rooted in issues surrounding colonialism and language reclamation. Okinum marked the start of Monnet's three-year artist residency at Centre du Theatre d'Aujourd'hui and announced her as a major talent in theatre. Both Anishnaabe/Algonquin and French, raised between the Outaouais, Quebec, and Brittany, France, she is now living in Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyaang/Montreal. She is the artistic director of Onishka Productions and the new artist-in-residence at Espace GO.

Read an Excerpt

I dreamt I was with my cousin on the trap line.

I dreamt of Wabush, caught in a snare.

I see Wabush struggle

for a long time

trying to break free from the metallic fangs grasping at their neck.

I watch

without moving

mesmerized by rabbit's instinct to survive.

I look at Wabush

right in the eye

Holding on to this moment

so fleeting

this moment when life spills out

when fur becomes still.

I'm transfixed.

Right here

Right in front of me

I watch Wabush die.

I admire their fight

Fur is white

as snow

Wabush finally surrenders.

Body stops shaking

Heart stops beating.

Without a cry

or a plea

Wabush offers their life

In the crisp silence of winter.

I start to undress Wabush

remove their fur.

The flesh is pink

Warm

Naked.

I watch the blood

drip onto the snow

Nothing's more beautiful than this red spill

this blood-offering

now soaking into the white.

The woman stands up.

We hear a voice in Anishnaabemowin saying the following. The woman repeats some of the words.

Pakidadenagewin panema kida togon kijdja madiziwin.

Kek oshka madiziwin ki abidan.

Translation from Anishnabemowin:

Life is a constant birth.

Sacrifice brings new life

One life is given up for another to begin

Pause.

My heart beats faster

It means I'm alive.

Right?

Reading Group Guide

I dreamt I was with my cousin on the trap line.

I dreamt of Wabush, caught in a snare.

I see Wabush struggle

for a long time

trying to break free from the metallic fangs grasping at their neck.

I watch

without moving

mesmerized by rabbit's instinct to survive.

I look at Wabush

right in the eye

Holding on to this moment

so fleeting

this moment when life spills out

when fur becomes still.

I'm transfixed.

Right here

Right in front of me

I watch Wabush die.

I admire their fight

Fur is white

as snow

Wabush finally surrenders.

Body stops shaking

Heart stops beating.

Without a cry

or a plea

Wabush offers their life

In the crisp silence of winter.

I start to undress Wabush

remove their fur.

The flesh is pink

Warm

Naked.

I watch the blood

drip onto the snow

Nothing's more beautiful than this red spill

this blood-offering

now soaking into the white.

The woman stands up.

We hear a voice in Anishnaabemowin saying the following. The woman repeats some of the words.

Pakidadenagewin panema kida togon kijdja madiziwin.

Kek oshka madiziwin ki abidan.

Translation from Anishnabemowin:

Life is a constant birth.

Sacrifice brings new life

One life is given up for another to begin

Pause.

My heart beats faster

It means I'm alive.

Right?

Editorial Reviews

"A vast healing ritual, it's impossible not to be moved." —2 Le Devoir

"Extraordinarily relevant." —2 Le Délit

"Okinum speaks of the importance of transmission to the new generation, but also openness to others." —2 Mon Theatre

From the Publisher