Tomson Highway's "Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" - CORE VIII CANADIAN STUDIES

 Tomson Highway's "Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing".

Let's begin with an introduction:

"Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" is a play by Cree playwright Tomson Highway, first performed in 1989. Set on the fictional Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, it explores themes of colonialism, Indigenous identity, gender roles, and spirituality through a blend of humor and tragedy.

10 Two-mark Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Who is the central character of the play?

   A: Zachary Jeremiah Keechigeesik, the owner of the local bakery.

2. Q: What sport forms a central element of the plot?

   A: Women's hockey, which becomes a source of conflict and empowerment.

3. Q: What is the significance of Nanabush in the play?

   A: Nanabush is a trickster figure from Ojibway mythology who appears in various guises throughout the play.

4. Q: What does the character Big Joey represent?

   A: Big Joey represents toxic masculinity and the loss of traditional culture.

5. Q: What is the role of Pierre St. Pierre?

   A: Pierre St. Pierre is the local radio DJ and narrator who provides commentary on events.

6. Q: What does Gazelle Nataways' pregnancy symbolize?

   A: It symbolizes hope and the continuity of Indigenous culture.

7. Q: What is the significance of the jukebox in the play?

   A: The jukebox represents Western cultural influence and the erosion of traditional ways.

8. Q: Who is Dickie Bird Halked?

   A: Dickie Bird is a troubled young man affected by fetal alcohol syndrome, representing the intergenerational impacts of colonialism.

9. Q: What does Kapuskasing represent in the play's title?

   A: Kapuskasing represents an illusory escape or a better life away from the reserve.

10. Q: What is the role of humor in the play?

    A: Humor is used to address serious issues and as a coping mechanism for trauma.

5 Five-mark Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Analyze the role of women in "Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing."

   A: Women in the play are portrayed as strong and resilient figures:

      - They form a hockey team, symbolizing empowerment and community building

      - Characters like Gazelle Nataways represent hope and cultural continuity

      - Women are often the keepers of traditional knowledge and spirituality

      - The play contrasts the women's strength with the men's struggles

      - Highway challenges stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous women

2. Q: Discuss the play's treatment of alcoholism and its effects on the community.

   A: Alcoholism is a central theme in the play:

      - It's portrayed as a destructive force linked to colonial trauma

      - Characters like Dickie Bird embody the intergenerational effects of alcohol abuse

      - The community's struggle with alcoholism reflects broader societal issues

      - It's shown to erode traditional values and family structures

      - The play suggests healing must come from within the community

3. Q: Explain the significance of Nanabush in the play.

   A: Nanabush serves multiple functions:

      - As a trickster figure, it bridges the spiritual and physical worlds

      - It appears in various forms, often as female characters

      - Nanabush represents the persistence of traditional spirituality

      - It acts as a narrative device, moving between different scenes and realities

      - Its presence challenges Western theatrical conventions

4. Q: Analyze the conflict between traditional spirituality and Christianity in the play.

   A: The play explores this conflict through:

      - Characters like Zachary, who struggle between traditional beliefs and Christianity

      - The presence of Nanabush contrasting with Christian symbols

      - Discussions about the role of the church in colonization

      - The way characters use or reject Christian concepts

      - The suggestion that reconciling these beliefs is part of Indigenous identity

5. Q: Discuss the play's use of language and its significance.

   A: Language in the play is complex and meaningful:

      - Highway uses both Cree and English, reflecting the community's bilingual nature

      - Code-switching demonstrates characters' navigation of two cultures

      - The use of Cree asserts Indigenous identity and resistance to colonial erasure

      - English often represents the intrusion of Western culture

      - Language becomes a site of both conflict and cultural preservation

In-depth Analysis - Essay Question:

Analyze how Tomson Highway uses humor and tragedy in "Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" to address serious issues facing Indigenous communities. Consider the play's structure, characterization, and themes.

Let's begin with an introduction:

Tomson Highway's "Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" masterfully blends humor and tragedy to explore the complex realities of life on an Indigenous reserve. Through this combination, Highway creates a powerful narrative that addresses serious issues while maintaining cultural resilience and hope.

I. The Use of Humor

Highway employs various forms of humor:

- Slapstick comedy and physical humor

- Wordplay and puns, often involving Cree and English

- Irony and satire in portraying interactions with Western culture

- The trickster figure Nanabush as a source of comic relief

This humor serves to:

- Make difficult subjects more approachable

- Reflect Indigenous storytelling traditions

- Provide moments of relief amid tragic events

- Critique colonial structures through mockery

II. The Role of Tragedy

Tragedy in the play is manifested through:

- Personal struggles of characters like Dickie Bird

- The impact of alcoholism on the community

- Incidents of violence, particularly against women

- The loss of traditional culture and language

The tragic elements:

- Highlight the ongoing impacts of colonialism

- Create emotional depth and audience engagement

- Reflect real-life challenges faced by Indigenous communities

- Serve as a call to action for social change

III. Interplay of Humor and Tragedy

Highway skillfully interweaves humor and tragedy:

- Comic scenes often precede or follow tragic events

- Characters use humor as a coping mechanism

- Serious issues are approached through seemingly lighthearted dialogue

- The structure of the play alternates between humorous and tragic tones

This interplay:

- Reflects the complexity of Indigenous experiences

- Prevents the narrative from becoming overwhelmingly bleak

- Engages the audience on multiple emotional levels

- Challenges stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous life

IV. Addressing Serious Issues

Through this blend of humor and tragedy, Highway addresses:

- The impact of colonialism and residential schools

- Gender roles and toxic masculinity in Indigenous communities

- The struggle to maintain cultural identity

- Substance abuse and its intergenerational effects

- The resilience and strength of Indigenous women

V. Characterization

Highway's characters embody both humorous and tragic elements:

- Zachary's comical struggles with his bakery contrast with his spiritual conflicts

- Big Joey's bombastic personality masks deep-seated traumas

- Nanabush's shapeshifting brings both laughter and poignant commentary

This complex characterization:

- Creates multi-dimensional representations of Indigenous people

- Allows for exploration of serious issues through relatable figures

- Challenges stereotypes and one-dimensional portrayals

VI. Structure and Theatrical Techniques

The play's structure supports the humor-tragedy dynamic:

- Non-linear narrative reflects Indigenous storytelling traditions

- The use of Nanabush allows for magical realist elements

- Breaking the fourth wall invites audience engagement

- Juxtaposition of realistic and symbolic scenes

These techniques:

- Create a uniquely Indigenous theatrical experience

- Allow for seamless transitions between humor and tragedy

- Enhance the impact of both comic and tragic elements

Conclusion:

Tomson Highway's skillful blending of humor and tragedy in "Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing" creates a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Indigenous life. By addressing serious issues through this lens, Highway offers a critique of colonial impacts while celebrating Indigenous resilience and cultural strength. The play challenges audiences to confront difficult realities while also recognizing the enduring spirit of Indigenous communities. Ultimately, Highway's approach demonstrates the power of Indigenous storytelling to navigate complex truths and envision paths toward healing and cultural revitalization.