Overview

Synopsis

The Rez Sisters follows a group of seven Indigenous sisters from Manitoulin Island as they embark on a journey to the Biggest Bingo in the World in Toronto. The women share their hardships, laughter, anger, and plenty of gossip along the way, as they dream of how winning the big pot could help them overcome their personal challenges. The Rez Sisters is a celebration of resilience and the beauty of sisterhood. This risqué, joyous, mystical comedic-drama is the seminal work of Indigenous playwright, Tomson Highway. Although primarily written in English, there are interjections of Cree and Ojibway, two Indigenous languages of the Manitoulin Island reservations, where the story takes place. The Rez Sisters has a companion piece called Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing (1989), which follows the men of the Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reservation.

Show Information

Book
Tomson Highway
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1986
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Late summer, 1986, The Wasaychigan Hill Indian Reserve, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Philomena Moosetail

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Marie-Adele Starblanket

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Annie Cook

Lead

Female

Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano

Emily Dictionary

Lead

Female

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Veronique St. Pierre

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Zhaboonigan Peterson

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Pelajia Patchnose

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Nanabush

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Aboriginal

    Aboriginal refers to the Indigenous peoples of Australia, encompassing diverse nations, languages, and traditions. Aboriginal theatre often highlights oral storytelling, dance, and music as vital cultural expressions. Modern Aboriginal drama explores identity, history, and the impact of colonization.

    Feminist

    Relating to gender equality, often a theme or character perspective in plays that challenge patriarchal norms.

    First Nations

    Indigenous peoples of Canada, whose oral storytelling and ceremonial practices contribute richly to contemporary theatre.

    Indigenous

    Refers to the original peoples of a region; their performance traditions often include ritual, storytelling, and dance.

    Mythology

    A body of traditional stories involving gods, heroes, and creation myths. Mythology provides inspiration for characters and narratives in global theatre traditions.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Emma Houlahan

Emma Houlahan

Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.