The year is eighteen-something-something. Fur trading is all the rage, driving the local and national economy. But what’s more interesting than the economy? Tackling themes of survival and cultural inheritance through the female gaze, of course.
Women of the Fur Trade is a historical satire that challenges the normative models of colonialism and patriarchy through comedy and a modern twist.
The play is hilarious and lively, with script by Frances Končan and directed by Renae Morriseau in a co-production between the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre, GCTC, and Native Earth Performing Arts.
Don’t let the comedy fool you though — it only highlighted the dark realities of the period rather than detracting from its significance.
Set in a fort on Treaty One territory in Reddish River, Manitoba, the play rotates through the diverse perspectives of three women as they discuss (with modern slang) their thoughts on life, love, and Louis Riel.
Equipped with floating Canada Post baskets, sock puppets, interactive paintings, and characters whose opinions linger in the space between black and white, the actors did a splendid job performing on the relatively-simple-but-effectively-breathtaking stage.
Kelsey Wavey, who played the Métis Marie-Angelique, shone throughout the play. She had a lively and believable attitude as she swooned over Louis Riel (and his moustache), and as she fought for what she believed in until the very end.
Eugenia, an Ojibwe woman played by Lisa Nasson, was a witty and angry character full of emotion and sarcasm. Her clear facial expressions, sense of humour, and dislike of men had me giggling more times than I could count.
And Cheri Maracle, who played Cecilia, a European settler, also brought another thought-provoking dimension to the story through her nervous and motherly character. Her quips, at times wise, at times self-focused, highlighted the impact of colonialism on settlers themselves.
Though each represented a different perspective on history, the three of them had outstanding chemistry together as they joked, fought, and banded together in the name of not being forgotten, as many of the women from that time were.
The play also featured Louis Riel himself, played to perfection by a Nike shoe-wearing Jonathan Fisher.
Women of the Fur Trade is a must-see production that will leave you thinking about time, place, and belonging. With all its themes of love, land rights, and pop culture, this is a play that is hard to forget.
Though tickets are mostly sold out, there are still some available for the Tuesday 8pm production. The performance of Women of the Fur Trade moves to Toronto in April, as part of Native Earth Performing Arts’ 2023-2024 season.
Women of the Fur Trade continues at the NAC until Jan. 27, 2024. Weekday screenings are at 8pm and Saturday screenings are at 2pm or 8pm. There are no reserved seats, so get there early. Tickets are almost sold out, but are available for $15, $25, or $35.
The NAC’s main accessible entrance is on Elgin Street. The Canal Lobby entrance and Parking 2 and 3 vestibules are also accessible. Seating for wheelchair users, the visually impaired and their companions is available in every performance venue. All NAC public spaces, event spaces, and washrooms are wheelchair accessible. Universal and companion care washrooms are located on the Orchestra level of Southam Hall.
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