Copper Thunderbird

by Marie Clements

Copper Thunderbird is a play on canvases based on the life of Norval Morrisseau. Inside the power-lines which Morrisseau boldly defined in his art were the colours he experienced between his Ojibwa cosmology, his life on the street, and his spiritual and philosophical transformations to become the Father of Contemporary Native Art and a Grand Shaman. Appearing simultaneously in this multi-layered drama as a small boy, a young warrior and an old man, Morrisseau confronts his many selves over the Faustian destiny he encountered during his vision quest―a momentary terror that led to a life wracked by both triumph and ordeal, drawing his vibrant colours, both luminous and dark, from the life-force within him.

Norval Morrisseau is notorious for the life he has led, the company he has kept, the wives, lovers, parasitic drinking buddies and abusive family members he has had and passed through as if they were merely insubstantial phantoms. The paintings he has sold to buy another bottle of alcohol, to get through another brutal day, hang in galleries around the world, a phenomenon Morrisseau himself simply took for granted. Framed variously with the identities of Indian, Artist and Shaman, Copper Thunderbird interrogates both the stereotypes and the politically correct judgments that have manufactured Morrisseau’s public personae, creating a power-figure that transcends culture and morality, earth and water, fire and air.

Genres: Plays

84 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2007

About the author

Marie Clements (born January 10, 1962) is a Métis playwright, performer, director, producer and screenwriter. Marie was founding artistic director of urban ink productions, and is currently co-artistic director of red diva projects, and director of her new film company Working Pajama Lab Entertainment. Clements lives on Galiano Island, British Columbia. As a writer Marie has worked in a variety of mediums including theatre, performance, film, multi-media, radio, and television.

Reviews

[Laura Denmar · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did he actually go through though...or just automatically oppressed due to his race? Didn’t seem
to elicit any actual trauma. Felt more sorry for his wife having to bear 7 kids to the miserable bastard. Yawn.

[Marlene Wirachowsky]

May I recommend another book that adds context for Copper Thunderbird? Norval Morrisseau -Man Changing into Thunderbird by Armand Garnet Ruffo. Publisher is Douglas & McIntyre.

[Jakelene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautifully written, but just way too absurd and out there for me. I'd be interested in seeing this performed, but I honestly don't know how eagerly I'd go after tickets. This was worth the read, but I likely won't read it again.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

This play was a difficult read, I would much rather see it performed as many of the transformations and stage directions seem impossible to imagine.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating play based on the life of Norval Morrisseau - I wish I'd seen this in performance!

[Ltheresa]

A gem of a book - how a man can go through so many challenges

and still remain humble and his passion for his art -his heritage - will live on after he has passed

what a legacy to leave his family and the world