Wolastoqew-Acadian writer's new series explores cultural reconnection
CBC
After three years of work, Shayne Michael’s first streaming series is set to premiere in February.
"It’s something that I’m really proud of," said Michael, a Wolastoqew-Acadian writer from Madawaska Maliseet First Nation in northern New Brunswick.
Enfant de Méduse, Wolastoqey, a French-language drama about a young man’s search for his biological family and Wolastoqew identity, will stream on Radio-Canada’s streaming platform Ici Tou.TV.
The eight 10-minute episodes follow a 2SLGBTQ+ couple — Peter and his partner Darren. Peter, raised by adoptive Acadian parents, sets out on a journey inspired by a letter written in Wolastoqey from his biological mother.
Michael both wrote the series and plays Peter's partner, Darren.
Growing up in Madawaska, surrounded predominantly by Acadian French speakers, he said he didn’t have the chance to be immersed in his own Wolastoqey language.
“To live with the two identities at the same time you have to choose… well, that's what I thought back then,” said Michael.
His studies at Université Laval in Quebec City sparked his passion for writing and inspired him to bridge his Acadian and Wolastoqew identities through his work.
Michael said because most of the production crew was non-Indigenous, it was important for production not to rush, and he placed importance on getting cultural details right.
When the director reached out to Ann Paul after she expressed interest in a role, she said she was surprised to learn her name was actually recommended for the role three times.
She quickly recorded a simple audition tape at home in her sewing room.
"I didn’t even fix my hair, or put on an outfit," said Paul.
"I just sat at my desk and I was my authentic self and I think that's what they're looking for."
Paul, who is Wolastoqew from Sitansisk (St. Mary's First Nation), plays the protagonist’s aunt and an important tie to his biological family.
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