Benoit Aquin
By Sylvie Côté-Chew
PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
Inukjuak, June 15th 2018
Kaujjajuq : the first radio-theatre program by the Nunavik Inuit Theatre Company
broadcasted on Taqramiut Nipingat Incorporated
KAUJJAJUQ, the play created by the Nunavik Inuit Theatre Company of Avataq Cultural
Institute, will be broadcasted this spring in 4 episodes by TNI. This radio theatre series was recorded
with the financial support of the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec (FCNQ.)
From June 26 to 29, 2018
At noon and in replay between 5:00 and 7:00 pm
The radio shows featured Nunavik Inuits actors: Poasie Napartuk, Pauyungie Nutaraaluk,
Lydia Alaku, Alisson Tomassie, Daniel Gadbois and Kathy Tukkiapik. Lisa Koperqualuk
is cast as
the narrator, but even more important, she was the Inuktitut advisor for the team.
The Nunavik Theater project was born from the project on language carried out by Avataq
Cultural Institute: Inuktituurniup Saturtaugasuarninga. The project aimed at revitalizing
Inuktitut. Public meetings and organizations meetings were held in all 15 communities to evaluate
the situation and to identify ways to improve our language. One recommendation from the
Inuktituurniup Saturtaugasuarninga report read: «Avataq Cultural Institute will initiate and
conduct the creation of a NUNAVIK INUIT THEATER COMPANY to transmit our culture and
improve Inuktitut.»
Since 2009, Avataq Cultural Institute has led the Nunavik theatre project through several
workshops, summer camps and conferences. The first theatre play KAUTJAJUQ, written by Adamie
Kalingo, had been presented in various communities all over Nunavik since its creation in 2011.
Kautjajuq is based on an Inuit story known by most of Nunavimmiut: the fate of a mistreated
orphan. It was created and is performed by young Inuit actors.
In itself, theater is an art that expresses human life in all its forms. It encompasses
collective aspects as well as individual ones. It reaches our roots and projects us into the future.
Theater can greatly contribute to the social and mental health of a community, and reaffirm
cultural identity and collective memory of the Inuit.
For more information: Sylvie Côté Chew / 514-989-9031 ext. 223 / tumivut@avataq.qc.ca
