Pawakan Macbeth in Ft. Smith

In partnership with

A CREE TAKEOVER | BY RENELTTA ARLUK
INSPIRED BY THE YOUTH OF FROG LAKE FIRST NATION

CO-PRODUCTION WITH AKPIK THEATRE

The groundbreaking Pawâkan Macbeth is Indigenous playwright, Reneltta Arluk’s reimagining of Shakespeare’s darkest play into Cree history, legend and cosmology. Set in Plains Cree territory in the 1870s, before the establishment of First Nations reserves, Pawâkan Macbeth takes place in a time when First Nations warred with each other and the Canadian Government over territory, food supply
and trade. Harsh environments brought immense fear, starvation, and uncertainty together to awaken the darkest of Cree spirits, the Wihtiko – an evil being with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Inspired from stories shared by Indigenous Elders in Frog Lake First Nation following protocol, Arluk has created a new,
visceral experience of Macbeth; a convergence of Shakespeare’s language, modern English, and Cree. As historical wars are waged with the Cree and Nakoda
against the Blackfoot, Macikosisân (Macbeth), a great Okihcitâw (warrior), becomes consumed by the cannibal spirit Wihtiko. He plots with Kâwanihot
Iskwew (Lady Macbeth), to kill their Chief, Okimâw Wîpâstim (Duncan). Pawâkan Macbeth is a terrifying journey through love, greed, honor and betrayal, with
trickster beings that lie like truth.

FEATURING:
Mallory Amirault
JD Montgrand
Lisa Nasson
Mitch Saddleback
Spencer Streichert
čačumḥi – aaron wells

Director & Playwright: Reneltta Arluk
Assistant Director: Barry Bilinsky
Plains Cree Language Consultant & Translator:  Darlene Auger
Plains Cree Consultant: Jhaik Windy Hair
Costume Designer: Logan Martin- Arcand
Set Designer: Cimmeron Meyer
Lighting Designer: Brad Trenaman
Sound Designer: Carmen Braden
Fight Director: Nathan Loitz
Tour Technical Director: Cody Clyburn

Recommended age 14+