Youth theatre brings original play showcasing Métis legends to Manitoba communities
Posted February 20, 2025 5:54 pm.
Last Updated February 20, 2025 6:37 pm.
Métis stories are coming to life at Winnipeg’s Manitoba Theatre for Young People, but the city isn’t the only place where these legends will be shared.
Blue Beads and Blueberries, an original play written by Erin Macklem, will kick off in Winnipeg next week before hitting the roads for a full school tour. The play is based on ‘Cap o’ Rushes’ — a Métis story similar to Cinderella.
“The true heart is about a dad and two girls that are both very different and just kind of learning how to work within those differences and figure out how they can each love and support each other,” said Katie German, the play’s director.
German said she hopes families who see the play walk away inspired.
“Maybe that fuels or sparks something in them to create their own stories and I’m excited to see how those stories change and morph and grow and come into our future.”
The show is booked for 87 schools and communities so far, which will take the artists across Manitoba — including the north.
“I’ve not been north in Manitoba and we get to go to The Pas and Thompson and many other smaller … communities up north and I’m really looking forward to that,” said Alanna McPherson, who plays “Alexina” and “Rosalie” in the play.
“I come from families who live rurally so I totally understand that those kids don’t always get access to things like that so that’s a really neat part of this particular show.”
McPherson said she’s excited to get this show on the road so audiences can learn more about her character, and the rougarou.
“She’s the younger sister, she’s rambunctious, she’s wild and she deeply resonates with the rougarou, which is a Métis werewolf, essentially.”
German adds, “If you’re not following the rules, (the rougarou) will come and bite you and it’ll stay with you until you break the things that need to be broken so that we don’t carry things on into the future.”
Audiences can see Blue Beads and Blueberries at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People until February 28th.
