October 23, 2003

Theatrical Production Marks Native American Awareness Event

The Boise State University Cultural Center presents the theatrical production, “In the Land of the Grasshopper Song,” as part of Native American Awareness Month in November. The performance will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Special Events Center. Tickets are $4 general, $2 for children and free to Boise State students, faculty and staff through Select-a-Seat. For more information contact the Cultural Center at 426-4259. The Dell’Arte Company, an international touring company with more than 25 years of creating innovative shows for all audiences, is currently using its trademark mix of original music, visual pageantry and physical performance to offer “In the Land of The Grasshopper Song,” adapted by Lauren Wilson from the book by Mary Ellicott Arnold and Mabel Reed. The book is a record of life almost 100 years ago in the Indian Country of the Klamath and Salmon rivers in the redwood region of northern California, where the U.S. government sent Mary Arnold and Mabel Reed as field matrons. They were the only white women in a 60-mile region. They left after their two years of service with profound affection and respect for the people among whom they had lived. “Grasshopper Song” records friendships and quarrels, celebrations and disasters. Arnold and Reed traveled by horseback and by foot, by dugout canoe and swinging bridge. They acted as teachers, doctors, preachers, legal advisors and mediators. They learned about love and honor, death, courage, and manners, and they were forever changed by their experience. “The production marks an evolution of our work in family theatre, a major change from our previous shows,” director Michael Fields said. “As we tour around the world, we have had the wonderful opportunity to see how other countries create and perform work for children and families. Much of this work recognizes the fact that that all great children’s theatre is created with a specific age group in mind. Then the intent is to make the work [also] accessible and meaningful to adults through a highly entertaining, theatrical style. That is our intent with this play. It is specifically designed for ages 9 and up.” The production features Dell’Arte Company performers Dawn Falato, Oliver Steck and Tim Cunningham, along with Dell’Arte instructor/performer Jacqueline Dandeneau. Set design is by Dan Stockwell, costume design by Lynnie Horrigan, sound and music by Tim Gray. -30- Contact Ro Parker Cultural Center coordinator 208 426-4317 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275