Rocko and Nakota, a work of engaging storytelling

 

Anishinaabe artist Josh Languedoc’s story-telling drama Rocko and Nakota: Tales From the Land (produced by Indigenized Indigenous Theatre of St. Albert, AB) is easily one of the most imaginative offerings at this year’s Fringe. Centering around the frame narrative of the play around  the relationship between Nakota, a young boy who has fallen ill from anxiety attacks, and his grandfather Rocko, Languedoc incorporates a rich trove of traditional Indigenous stories to advance the growth of the relationship and characters. These traditional stories, which Rocko says that he used to tell his grandson before he grew tired of them, are simultaneously instructive and engagingly performed by Languedoc (who also portrays both grandfather and grandson).

The play begins with Nakota presenting a story to his class at school, stating that it’s primarily about Rocko, who is his personal hero. It is his experience of encountering his grandfather during his recent hospitalization which underpins the story he tells the class. Seeing his grandson’s anxiety, Rocko tells Nakota about the importance of reaching out to others in difficult times as well as seeing and listening to them. “Unless you ask for help, you will always be alone,” he says. In order to illustrate this lesson, entertaining stories are vividly acted, with Languedoc shifting seamlessly from character to character (a simple change of vocal tone can do much to establish a new personage, in this regard). Another feature which enhances the performance of these stories is the clever use of lighting to bring mystery and atmospheric effect to them; a good example of this is when the stage is completely darkened for the first story told by Rocko, allowing the audience to imagine the figures behind the different voices speaking.

The show also imparts worthwhile lessons about the importance of courage and remembering that one is never truly alone, even in trying times. A combination of great storytelling and a coming-of-age tale, Rocko and Nakota stands out among the rest of the lineup at Fringe.

Rocko and Nakota: Tales From the Land plays at the ODD box in Arts Court Theatre for the Ottawa Fringe Festival until June 24. For show times and tickets, see http://ottawafringe.com/shows/rocko-and-nakota-tales-from-the-land/