Stone and Bone Spectacular is a wholly original story about Montreal told through the point of view of the Kanien’kehá:ka people. The show is filled with humour, joy, sadness, heartache, longing, and many surprises. Using dance, music, puppetry, and a carnival like setting, this is a history of the island of Montreal unlike anything I’ve seen.
This is a distinctively told story about the past told from the people who were here before us. It explores the peoples’ connections with the land, the river, and the mountain. The island holds the roots of the past. As towns, roads, homes are dug up to be replaced, history comes to the surface with the remains of the dead, their objects, and their stories. Stories and songs are told about shifting territories, outsiders forcing changes, and of people moving away. The show centres on Ramrock searching for his lost love, Two Dogs. Two Dogs is constantly on the move around the land, reminding Ramrock about the beauty and sacredness of the mountain, the river, and of those who came before them. Fantastical figures come in and out of the story giving an added layer of wit, fable, and theatre. It becomes quite entertaining!
The shifts in narrative styles are a bit jarring in the first half of the show. It can seem confusing as to where everything is headed. However, it all comes together in the second half. There are unexpected storylines, and comedy, moving towards a lovely sense of connection between the past and the present.
The cast is multi-talented, telling the stories with dance, song, and a style of storytelling that is reminiscent of what was shared by family members. The show has fantastic sets. There are large stone-like structures that morphs from mountain to fortress. The lights and effects create the atmosphere. The costumes are lovely, colourful, and vibrant. There are wonderful large masks representing the beaver, the bear, and dogs. The presentations are very creative and delightful.
What is past is not entirely gone. What was lost slowly finds its way back. While the future is uncertain, the roots are the necessary foundations. This should not be forgotten.
Photo Credit: Andrée Lanthier
Stone and Bone Spectacular. Written and directed by Ange Loft. Show continues to October 26, at the Centaur Theatre, 453 St-François-Xavier, Old Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-288-3161 or go to www.centaurtheatre.com
