Video: Apes of B.C.

The Apes of B.C.

Five actors on stage performing “The Apes of BC” from the Play “Good Timber” created by the ensemble and music director Tobin Stokes. Directed by Ross Desprez. Produced by The Other Guys Theatre Company. The play was inspired by the logger poetry of Robert E. Swanson, known as “The Bard of the Woods”. The Apes of B.C. poem was written by Seattle Red.

[Ross Deprez] Wake up ya big ape! ooh oo oo

[monkey sound]

[Slide show of early logging photographs plays behind the performer on stage.]

[R.D.] In Africa is where you’ll find the monkey ape and gibbon (ooh), but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon.

The hair grows thick upon his face, his hide is full of fleas, he makes his home most any place among the tall fir trees.

No use for brains, he doesn’t think, socially he’s a joke, he works in the rain and buys strong drink and nearly always broke.

In Africa is where you’ll find the monkey ape and gibbon (wooh), but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon. [End Chorus]

Now, some folks think this is not true, no apes haunt B.C.

Well, the only thing you have to do is try the woods and see.

Just go and take a little walk among the fallen trees and watch them dig a choker hole while on their hands and knees.

In Africa is where you’ll find the monkey ape and gibbon (wooh), but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon.

And when they get the choker set, the big ape gives a yell (Heyo!)

Then the little apes dash through weeds like demons out of hell.

Sometimes they do not holler, and they break the haywire junk

Then they gather round the hooker and curse the whistle punk,

In Africa, you’ll find the monkey ape and gibbon (Wooh uh hooh), but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon.

And when at last the road is done and the riggings at the pole

Big Ape hollers “strawline,” and the squirrel hunts his hole.

And then he stands just full of schtuss as excited as can be,

Just wears and tears and shouts abuse to the apes around the tree.

In Africa, you’ll find monkey ape and gibbon, but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon.

The strawline whistles through the brush, and the big ape gives a roar (aah ah aah)

Two apes are injured in the rush they send to camp for more.

The riggin’ ape is at the rear, stands by to holler “Hie”

Then he dangles in to change the gear as the haulback whistles by… here we go!

In Africa, you’ll find the monkey ape and gibbon (wooh), but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon.

In Africa, you’ll find the monkey ape and gibbon, but in B.C., we have the kind that fairly takes the ribbon.

that fairly takes the ribbon

that fairly takes the ribbon, (wha ee ooh!)