Metu'na'q

Story

Metu'na'q (Caliban’s Version) is an original Mi’kmaw adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Most likely written in 1610, the same year England started to colonize what is now referred to as Canada, The Tempest's characters Caliban and Ariel partially reflect Jacobean England's impressions of the Indigenous people of North and South America.

Metu’na’q (Caliban’s Version) excerpts Caliban's story from the play’s narrative; retaining only the scenes he is in and the bare minimum of supporting text from other related scenes.

The production was created by 10 community members from Sipekne’katik First Nation, including Sipekne’katik youth. The multi-generational cast engaged with traditional Mi’kmaw cultural practices and history to build all aspects of the production.

Content warning: colonial violence, consumption of alcohol, racism and racial slurs.

Point Pleasant Park

Running from August 8th - 17th, at 7:30pm (with no shows on the 11th or 12th), Metu'na'q (Caliban’s Version) will be performed in beautiful Point Pleasant Park in South End Halifax. We suggest you park at the lower parking lot. The walk to the site is approximately 15 - 20 minutes down a fine gravel path, hugging the coastline.

The show runs one hour.

The show is free for Indigenous audience members (please book in advance) and PWYC for non-Indigenous members. Tickets can be reserved here, by clicking on the date you wish to attend.

This production takes place outdoors, in the evening, which means mosquitos. Please dress appropriately. Audience seating is general admission on wooden benches.

There is golf cart availability for select performances, for people with mobility issues.

Company

The Sipu Tricksters is an ad hoc group of community members from Sipekne’katik First Nation, which includes performers, costume designers and builders, cultural carriers, a photographer, jewellers, visual artists, musicians, a graphic designer, and a make-up artist. The members range in age from 18 to 60+ and include a retired fisher, a current school teacher, solo parents, and post-secondary students. They are amateur performers and their experience covers a vast spectrum. This multi-generational ensemble created Metu’na’q and named themselves The Sipu Tricksters.

Cast:

Ariel - Emerald Paul

Spirit Ministers - Heather Knockwood, Sheena Marie McCulloch

Caliban - Bella-Rose Masty

Prospero - Janine Adema

Miranda - Eva Sack

Trinculo - Lily-mkel

Stephano - Andrew Masty

Ferdinand - Kayli Raye Marr

The King - Stewart Legere (ZUPPA)

Creative Team:

Kayli Raye Marr - Costumes

Elle Michael - Music, language & cultural consultant

April Maloney - Photographer & community consultant

Richard "Krow Dog" Taylor - Reconciliation Action Advisor

Bella-Rose Masty - Graphic Design

Sheena Marie McCulloch - Make-up

Sipu Tricksters at Large - Ida Simon, Vera Marr, Arianna Paul, Xavier Taylor

Ben Stone* - Director (ZUPPA)

Sophie Schade - Producer (ZUPPA)

Leesa Hamilton - Costume mentor (ZUPPA)

Ben Cable - Carpentry

*The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.

2024

The original production of Metu'na'q (The Tempest) ran from August 14th - 25th, 2024, on the beautiful New Town Trail of Sipekne'katik First Nation. The 2024 Sipu Tricksters were:

Cast:

Janine "JJ" Adema - Ariel

Bella-Rose Masty - Stephano

Kayli Raye Marr - Ferdinand

Sheena Marie McCulloch - Boatswain

Elle Michael - Prospero

Lily-mkel - Trinculo

Arianna Paul - Miranda

Emerald Paul - Alonso

Eva Sack - Sebastian

Richard "Krow Dog" Taylor - Antonio

Xavier Taylor - Caliban