For the first time in her life, author Naomi Fontaine takes the stage of a theater at Duceppe’s where her novel is being written manicanetic was adapted for the stage.
“I am the narrator,” explains the Innu. It’s an addition that wasn’t originally planned because I admit that I don’t want to be an actress. But it is my story and it touches me deeply to present it. »
Those who are used to speaking in front of audiences at conferences will find that memorizing a text presents a new challenge, as does conveying emotions. However, this is made easier by the fact that the story of this production comes from his own life.
“It’s autofiction,” she says. It tells the story of students at Manikanetish Secondary School in Uashat, where I took my first steps as a teacher about ten years ago. »
She points out that the adaptation, made with the accompaniment of Julie-Anne Ranger-Beauregard, is very “romantic”. The text addresses his adjustment difficulties as a teacher, but also those of young people who have to go through life with strength and courage.
“We show our modernity and our culture on stage,” she says. Non-indigenous people will be coming into contact with our world for the first time. It’s a realistic piece. »
An indigenous occupation
This show will be the first time that First Nations youth will take the stage. There are obviously Innus from the north coast where the author is from, but also a Mi’kmaw from Gaspeg and another from Mashteuiatsh.
“It’s fascinating to see how they work together, even if they come from different regions,” says Naomi Fontaine. You are really good! »
“The theater doesn’t interest us in our nations,” she adds. It fills us with pride that a young person from a church can play in a major institution in Montreal. »
The one who is working on a fourth novel, which she hopes to complete this year, claims that these young people put themselves into carrying out this project, which is at the heart of their work.
“The play tells the story of students who keep dreaming and striving, and they do that on stage,” she says. I want to pass on to them the courage that we, the Innu, carry within us and that was inherited from our ancestors. »
manicanetic will be presented in Duceppe from March 8th to April 8th.