Who are the People of the Dawn who inhabited Maine long before European settlers arrived? Who are their heroes? What are their origin tales?
Penobscot Theatre Company’s production of “My Story is Gluskabe” answers those questions by bringing stories of the Wabanaki people to life. The show, which features members of the Penobscot Nation, children from the group’s Dramatic Academy program, puppets large and small and a Native American drummer, is a technical triumph. The play brings to life tales of Gluskabe (gloo-SKA-beh) and his grandmother Monimkwe’su (muh-NIM KWA-soo), a woodchuck, most often shared during the darkness of winter.
Gluskabe (Matt Cross), a culture hero for the Wabanaki people, is the central character of the play, which was adapted from traditional Penobscot stories translated and compiled by Penobscot Nation language keeper Carol Dana, other story-keepers of the Penobscot Nation and retired University of Maine English professor Margo Lukens.
It was first staged in 2016 as part of PTC’s Dramatic Academy for children and teens. Dramatic Academy students perform in the latest version and act as a kind of Greek chorus commenting on Gluskabe’s adventures in English and Penobscot.
Director Jorden Charley-Whatley, a New York City-based member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, weaves a stunning visual and aural tapestry that enchanted the audience Saturday night at the Bangor Opera House. He creates a tight ensemble with every performer but Cross expertly portraying multiple characters, including animals.
The stars of this show are not the humans on stage but the fascinating puppets they operate created by Gwen Elise Higgins, who lives in midcoast Maine. From the tiny chickadee to a cantankerous bullfrog to a mangy moose, Higgins’ creations do more than just serve the stories of Gluskabe’s adventures; they are absolutely enchanting to watch.
Cross, a Kiowa actor from Oklahoma City, captures the cunning and dauntless spirit of Gluskabe. They bring a childlike energy to the role, which fits perfectly with these 13 early stories told about Gluskabe’s youth. Cross is especially delightful in their scenes with Kaili Y. Turner, who plays the grandmother.
The elderly Monimkwe’su is the voice of reason to Gluskabe’s youthful enthusiasm. She gently explains that his actions sometimes go too far and could harm future generations.
Turner, of Black and Natick Nipmuc heritage, is perfect in the role. She moves slowly and carefully about the stage, leaning on a staff. Her bearing is almost regal, and her presence on stage demands the audience’s attention. The actress brings gravitas to the part, and that makes it almost impossible to look at anything or anyone else when she gives wise counsel to Gluskabe. Turner plays other roles, but her portrayal of Monimkwe’su is seared into theatergoers souls and won’t soon be forgotten.
Penobscot artists in the play include Lilah Atkins, George Loring, Adrian Sockalexis and drummer Nick Bear. Behind the scenes, Jason Brown, who is the multimedia performance artist Firefly, and Donna Decontie Brown, both of the Penobscot Nation, designed the sound and co-choreographed the show, respectively.
The costumes by Grace Wylie and Emmett Sockalexis, sets by Nathan Ynacay and projections by Arthur Camacho make the audience feel as if it is sitting around a fire in the woods of Maine hearing sacred stories.
This production of “My Story is Gluskabe” is a wonderful gift from the Wabinaki people to the Bangor community via the Penobscot Theatre Company. It deserves to be seen and embraced by all of us who call Maine home.
“My Story is Gluskabe” runs through March 17 at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St. For more information, visit penobscottheatre.org or call 207-942-3333.
