Maamawi (ᒫᒪᐏ): Together Through The Fire

You’re invited into our vision of the future. The world has been transformed through fire, revived through water, and humankind has been gifted the ability to experience Life through the Lessons of the Heart.

Maamawi (ᒫᒪᐏ): Together Through The Fire braids the dreams of past, present, and future into a post-apocalyptic landscape. An expression of the Anishinaabe Seven Fire Prophecies, as shared by Anishinaabe Elder, Gloria May Eshkibok, Maamawi (ᒫᒪᐏ) imbues us with heart-light, stewarded by the Original Ones. We are held in trust with Love and Respect for all that is, all that was, and all that will be as we move steadily toward our destiny.

Maamawi (ᒫᒪᐏ): Together Through The Fire presents a deeply immersive and transformative experience that melds Anishinaabe cultural narratives, particularly the 7 Fires prophecies, with cutting-edge digital storytelling techniques. This innovative performance, envisioned through the guidance of elder Gloria May Eshkibok and creatively interpreted by choreographer Olivia C. Davies, with music by Michael Red, offers a profound exploration of Indigenous wisdom, future visions, and the power of collective healing and renewal.

The narrative structure, centered around the teachings and implications of the 8th Fire prophecy, uses the symbolic figures of the Wolf and the Eagle as storytellers. These characters, embodied by dancers with VR headsets, serve as the bridge between the past, present, and potential futures, narrating the unfolding of the prophecies against a backdrop of interactive digital environments.

Surrounding Wolf and Eagle, a circle of eight audience members, also in VR headsets, embodies the role of active participants within this virtual world. This circle forms a community of witnesses and learners, gathered around a central, ethereally suspended fire. This fire, a symbol of transformation, knowledge, and continuity, serves as a focal point for the narrative and the collective experience.

The introduction of a remote audience, represented by hummingbirds within the virtual environment, adds another layer of connectivity and interaction. This choice not only expands the accessibility of the performance but also weaves in the symbolism of the hummingbird, known for its resilience, joy, and the reminder that small actions can lead to significant impacts. The hummingbirds, visible to both dancers and the in-person audience, further enrich the narrative with their presence, symbolizing the far-reaching influence and interconnectedness of individual efforts and the broader community.

As the performance unfolds, the audience is guided through a vision of a future shaped by the outcomes of the 8th Fire prophecy, exploring themes of warning, wisdom, and the possibility of renewal. The refuge in the cave, with Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley’s projections, provides a contemplative space for the stories of the 7 Fires to be absorbed and reflected upon, connecting the audience with the ancestral knowledge and the urgency of heeding these teachings.

The climactic transformation brought by the rains and rising waters symbolizes a cleansing, a rebirth of the world into a state of peace and harmony. This renewal invites the audience to partake in a celebration of new beginnings, emphasizing the role of collective action and the shared responsibility in fostering a future that embraces the lessons of the past, the realities of the present, and the possibilities of a harmonious coexistence.

“Maamawi: Together through the Fire” is not only a performance but a communal ritual, a call to action, and a shared vision for the future. It encapsulates the essence of Anishinaabe teachings and the power of storytelling, blending tradition with technology to inspire, educate, and unite.