Norval Morrisseau’s artworks are characterised by their bright colours and thick black outlines. They tell stories of Ojibwe culture and myths. Magic, power and beauty are abundant in his work. The colours so bold that they demand a reaction. Morrisseau was an icon in the world of Native Canadian art. His life comprised of the extremes that have been the fabric of artists’ lives for centuries. TransMigration tells the story of this troubled genius who shed light on the identity crisis that was becoming an overwhelming part of the Native Canadian experience. TransMigration rides on the wave of beauty that Morrisseau created in his paintings. Accompanying the stunning visuals and direct images from his paintings, is an original musical score and ethereal choreography. TransMigration is a Canadian masterpiece.
The show begins with the Artist, played by Billy Merasty, drawing in the sand, as Morrisseau was known to do. He looks as regal as a king would. His stare unfaltering, body housed in a beautiful skin-tight suit that makes him look tattooed with Morrisseau’s art. The next scene sees him in the throes of fame as he dances to pulsating club music with fans and followers. These two contrasting scenes define the two sides of the Artist’s internal conflict that the show sets out to explore. The Artist interacts intermittently with Thunderbird, played by Santee Smith, a magnificent mythical creature who is the source of his roots and strength. Smith dances across the stage in fine ballet and contemporary moves to bring the magical bird to life. She swoops in on her wings and awakens courage with her femininity. We see how fame, alcohol and drugs destroy the Artist’s otherwise pure spirit reined by Thunderbird.
Times of darkness and pain are interspersed with beautiful dances with Thunderbird. Of note is the dance piece that shows the Artist’s violent experiences in a Christian residential school where the dancers dance in reaction to beatings and physical abuse. Scenes about homelessness, alcoholism, promiscuity and even prison, tell the stark reality of Native displacement in the post-colonial world. There is a palpable disparity between the colourful Ojibwe way of life and the plain black-clothed world of western materialism. Each dark story however, is followed by an exuberant interaction with hope, referred to as the recurring “Man Into Thunderbird” piece. Here Thunderbird inspires and heals the Artist after every setback. “Astral Hoops” is another hopeful dance and perhaps the highlight of the show. The Astral Hoop Spirit, played by a brilliant Nimkii Osawamick, leads the traditional hoop dance to Native music with updated beats. Few words come to mind when describing this piece other than just plain utterly cool. The Kaha:wi dancers prove their technical finesse especially in this piece.
The costumes in the show are a sight to behold. Costume colours are derived from Morrisseau’s paintings and the fabrics are sheer and flowing. The performances make the heart soar. Even in the second act, where the narrative slows down as the Artist takes to a wheelchair because of his illness, the show does not lose momentum or richness. Goosebumps ensue all over at the end, during the Artist’s Ascension and transformation into a Thunderbird himself.
Even though TransMigration is Morrisseau’s story, it can be easily read as the story of many Native Canadians and their struggles. The pain of shedding a vibrant, accepting and warm Native culture, to unwillingly embrace a dark, punishing and puritan one, is brought to life like a cut artery by the Kaha:wi dancers. Many fear that aboriginal issues are heavy and take a lot out of the audience, but TransMigration always steers clear of that trap. It balances the pain with joy and darkness with colours. It always stays optimistic. Feathers, headdresses and painted floors always keep the beauty and richness of Native Canadian culture at the forefront.
TransMigration brings the cool back to Native Canadian culture. It transcends stereotypes to replace problem images with celebratorial ones. In the hands of an extremely talented and beautiful set of actors, dancers and musicians, TransMigration gives Native Art an awesome tribute. Art holds the power to bring about significant change for the Native community, as it successfully brings focus back to Native beauty and away from destruction. Political change stems from universal understanding and TransMigration has what it takes to create that understanding. Oh but what heart-warming, leaping and reaching-for-the-astral fun it is.
-Prachi Kamble
(Printed with the permission of Fame Blog Canada where it was initially published).