A Fairy Tale Woven with Métis History

Next up on MTYP’s Mainstage is Blue Beads and Blueberries by Erin Macklem, a Métis re-imagining of an old English folk tale.

When a father asks his daughters how much they love him, he feels slighted by the response of his eldest and sends her away. This sets her off on an adventure of self-discovery, one brimming with beaded earrings, woven sashes, and traditional jigs. Blue Beads and Blueberries transforms an ancient fairy tale into a celebration of Métis culture.

We spoke with Emily Meadows, who plays Exerine and Célina, about the show:

In what ways do you think the characters in Blue Beads and Blueberries embody or challenge ideas of what it means to be Métis?

The story of Blue Beads and Blueberries is loosely based on ‘Cap o’ Rushes’ (a Cinderella-type story) but is heavily influenced with Métis cultural elements/symbols like the ceinture flechée, beading, music and dance. Métis culture weaves together First Nations traditions with traditions of earlier European settlers and this story combines the input of all three characters as they weave their own version of ‘Cap o’ Rushes,’ together. We learn that there isn’t just one way to tell a story and there isn’t “just one way” to be Métis.

Some audience members may be new to Canada and unfamiliar with Métis history. What do you hope they take away from seeing the story unfold?

I hope this story sparks an interest in Métis history and encourages those who are unfamiliar to do some exploration; it’s pretty special that we get to tell this story at MTYP, steps away from the Red River, in the heart of the Homeland of the Métis Nation. There is extensive information to learn about the political, military and interpersonal struggles, but also extensive amounts of beautiful art by local artists past and present to savour. The struggles are only a part of Métis history and I think this play does an excellent job celebrating cultural traditions like jigging, beading and story-telling, while still recognizing some of those struggles.

Are there any aspects of Exerine’s life or Célina’s journey that resonate with your own experiences?

As a big sister in real-life, I definitely connect with the ambitious, rule-following and protective nature of first-born Exerine. She learns to navigate the challenges of engaging her younger sister in traditions while still maintaining the core of her father’s traditional stories and teachings. Much like Célina and Exerine, I enjoy beading, weaving and other traditional art practices (and I’m the only one of my siblings with the patience and dexterity to practice regularly!)

What has been your favorite part of portraying these characters? Is there a specific moment in the play that you look forward to or feel particularly connected with?

One of my favourite parts of playing Exerine/Célina is living in the special moments she shares with her sister. Sometimes Exerine expresses her love for Alexina through her character in the story or by finding a way to make Alexina feel included. Exerine often incorporates the improv principle of “yes and”-ing her sister’s offers; I love how Exerine recognizes the many wonderful similarities AND differences between her and her sister. And I love telling the many wonderfully terrible knock-knock jokes.

Blue Beads and Blueberries runs on the Mainstage from February 21st to March 2nd. Get tickets online or call our box office at 204.942.8898!

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