Overview

Synopsis

This semi-autobiographical play one-man play explores a story of hidden love between two gay teenage boys from neighboring reservations. Mike, a hockey player, and Jake, a dancer, take notice of each other at the Kenora Shoppers Mall. The two boys connect instantly, but are scared to act on their feelings. As the story is told through the shapeshifitng Nanabush, Agokwe (pronounced ‘agoo-kway’) explores the joys and heartbreaks of growing up as a young boy, marginalized by race, gender, and sexual orientation within a small community.

Agokwe is an Anishinaabe word that roughly translates to “two-spirited”, indicating that someone has both a male spirit and a female spirit inside of them. The original production won six Dora Mavor Moore Awards in 2009, including the award for Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Production, Outstanding Performance, and Outstanding Direction.

Show Information

Book
Waawaate Fobister
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2008
Genres
Drama, Comedy, Romance
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Kenora, Ontario, Canada; Present Day
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal For
College/University, Diverse Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Nanabush

Lead

Non-binary

Non-singer

Jake Pinashi

Lead

Non-binary

Non-singer

Mike Moses

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Betty Moses

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Goose

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Shyanne

Featured

Female

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

    Refers to Indigenous peoples, especially in Australia; their traditions are honored in contemporary World Theatre.

    First Nations

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

    Homophobia

    Prejudice or discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, sometimes explored as a theme in dramatic works. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.

    Indigenous

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

    One-Act

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

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.