Book of Jessica: A Theatrical Transformation
Synopsis:
Written by Linda Griffiths and Maria Campbell. This play is part of a unique theatre book, The Book of Jessica, which contains the personal and political story of the play's collaboration between a white actress/writer and a Metis author and activist. The Book of Jessica has sold round the world and been included in a vast number of women's and native studies courses.
Winner, Dora Mavor Moore Award, Outstanding New Play, Winner Quizanne International Festival, 1996, Winner Chalmers Award, 1996.
". . .a dense, mystical play about the spiritual journey of a young half-breed woman and about the process of change itself. After slipping into a life of prostitution and hard drugs, Jessica is rootless and she visits a native elder who creates a ceremony in which Jessica's animal spirits appear and promise to take her back through her life. Each represents an aspect of human existence. Crow is her special protector, he's unreliable and he gambles. Bear is a shaggy security blanket of strength, the Wolverine is vicious and terrifying but also has much to teach. Then a Unicorn arrives from Jessica's Celtic past, shocking the native spirits and all hell breaks loose. As the ceremony unfolds, each spirit enacts a character in Jessica's life. Bear becomes her boyfriend Sam, Unicorn, a friend from her drug days, Wolverine a lawyer who tries to own her. But Crow always remains Crow. A significant new play."
Robert Crew, The Toronto Star
