XAJOJ TUN RABINAL ACHI
2010
Description
XAJOJ TUN RABINAL ACHI was the result of a rich artistic collaboration between Ondinnok and El Baile Danza Rabinal Achi, a Mayan troupe from Guatemala and the keeper of the Rabinal achi. Don Jose Leon Coloch Garniga and his family are the last of a long line of Mayan families who for generations have protected and handed on this great theatrical ritual as well as its codes of performance. Initiated in January 2007 by a visit from Catherine Joncas and Yves Sioui Durand to the village of San Pablo Rabinal in Guatemala, this artistic collaboration saw its culmination three years later on the stage of Montreal’s eXcentris.
Synopsis
This story tells of the capture, trial and execution of a rebel warrior, Kaweq Kiché, who betrayed the social order. Around him is the court of Lord Job Toj, Queen Ixoc Ahau, the Princess Mother of Quetzal and the warrior of Rabinal. In XAJOJ TUN RABINAL ACHI there are also two fragments of two other great pre-Columbian texts saved from destruction: the Popol vuh, a text of the mythology and history of the Mayan migrations; and the Chilam Balam de Chumayel, a prophesy calendar. These three texts are among the greatest treasures of Amerindian literature.
Performance Dates
2010 June 18 to 27 – Montreal, eXcentris
The Team
Director: Yves Sioui Durand
Choreographer: Patricia Iraola
Actors: Charles Bender, Marco Collin, Nicoletta Dolce, Yves Sioui Durand, Hélène Ducharme, Patricia Iraola, Catherine Joncas, Lara Kramer, Mireya Bayancela Ordonez, Rodrigo Ramis & Leticia Vera with the special participation of Jose Leon Coloch Garniga & Jose Manuel Coloch Xolop from Guatemala
Set Designer: Jonas Veroff Bouchard
Costume Designer: Linda Brunelle
Sound Designer: Nicolas Grou
Mask Designer: Claude Rodrigue
Lighting Designer: Guy Simard
Headdress Designer: Lyne Beaulieu
Wardrobe Assistance: Chantal Bachand, Julie Sauriol, Mathieu Audy, Christine Neuss & Mireille Tremblay
Drum Designer: Norbert Roy
Scenic Painter: Dasha Valakhanovitch
Technical Director and Lighting Operator: Geoff Levine
Stage Manager: Audrey Gaudet
Photographer: Martine Doyon
Producers: Ondinnok in coproduction with the Montreal First Peoples’ Festival
