Native Theater Project (NTP) develops and collaboratively produces plays by Native playwrights, and hires Native artists to tell those stories. Native Theater Project also partners with tribal nations, community organizations, and other theaters to offer career development, leadership programs, and performing arts education programs.
About Bag&Baggage and NTP:
To achieve Bag&Baggage’s mission to expand the cannon, we will work in meaningful relationships with Native artists and Native communities. Native Theater Project is our ambitious partnership to begin doing just that! As a starting point, Bag&Baggage is committed to producing two plays by Native writers, and hiring Native artists in leadership positions, beginning with the world premiere of Diné Nishłį (i am a sacred being) Or, A Boarding School Play.
Four high school girls are thrilled when their song and dance group is invited to sing the Navajo National Anthem at the 2002 Winter Olympics. But when a teacher thinks one of them left her a threatening voicemail, the girls’ plans are in jeopardy. Jumping into action, they hatch a plan to save their trip. Exuberant, sunny, and just a little bit haunted, this comedy celebrates the dreams, hopes, and confidence of young Native women as they each find their own way to honor their cultural traditions and live their dreams in a modern world.
This play mentions differences between historical boarding schools, and the trauma they inflicted on Native children, and this modern boarding school, where students are being taught their language and culture. The play also discusses conversion therapy, corporal punishment, dementia.
PROGRAMS
Beginning again later this Fall
Arts Learning Project for Native Youth
Annual summer Native Performing Arts Camp for 7th – 12th graders, held on a different college campus each year
CURRENTLY FUNDRAISING FOR
Co-Commissioning Program
Details coming soon! Contact us if your theater wants to collaborate in getting more Native work on stage.
Native Leadership Development Program
Funders welcome! Contact B&B Development Manager Barry Carman at barry@bagnbaggage.org!