Gonzaga Presents Staged Reading of Beth Piatote's "Antíkoni"
Gonzaga University's Native American Studies program is proud to announce a staged reading of Beth Piatote’s compelling play, “Antíkoni,” scheduled for January 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. The event will take place at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, offering a unique theatrical experience that explores universal themes through the lens of Native storytelling.
Piatote's adaptation of Sophocles' “Antigone” not only provides a unique perspective on these timeless themes but also highlights the unbroken thread linking Native people across time and place.
Written by playwright Beth Piatote (Nez Perce enrolled Colville Confederated Tribes), “Antíkoni,” marks a historic occasion for Gonzaga as the institution presents its first production of a play by a Native playwright from the tribal community of the Columbia Plateau. The production, supported by the Robert K. and Ann J. Powers Chair of the Humanities, is directed by Jeanette Harrison (Onondaga descent), a renowned figure in the theater community and a key contributor to groundbreaking productions.
Admission is free, and the performance will also be available to a wider audience through live streaming and recording. To secure your tickets, please visit our reservation link.
Director Harrison is a founder of Alter Theater in San Francisco and former artistic director of Portland’s Artist Rep Theatre. Her significant role as associate director of Larissa FastHorse’s “The Thanksgiving Play” on Broadway in 2023 solidified her standing as a trailblazer in Native theater.
Piatote, the author of “Antíkoni,” included the play in her acclaimed collection, “The Beadworkers,” published in 2019. Following its inclusion, “Antíkoni” has undergone extensive workshops, including at New York Classical Theatre. The play is set to be featured at Bard College's Center for Indigenous Studies Symposium in April 2024.
These webinars will cover topics such as Native American Graves and Reparations Act (NAGPRA), adaptation of classical works for contemporary audiences, the vitality of Native theater, and more. Esteemed colleagues from universities and institutions across the U.S. will participate in these conversations. The schedule for the webinars will be published on Gonzaga’s Native American Studies events page, inviting engagement from a broader audience interested in the rich themes presented in “Antíkoni.”
The production features a remarkable cast of local Native artists, teachers, and thinkers, whose leadership contributes to the elevation of our region and communities each day. A special acknowledgment is extended to Emma Noyes (Sinixt) for her artistic contribution to the program art. The anticipation for this event is palpable, and Native American Studies invites everyone to join in this extraordinary celebration of Native storytelling and culture.
Details
When: Antíkoni: A Staged Reading will be performed on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m.
Where: Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, located at 211 E. Desmet Ave. On the Gonzaga University campus in Spokane.
Run Time: approx. 90 minutes followed by a short intermission and Q&A session.
Tickets: Tickets are free, and can be obtained at gonzaga.edu/myrtle-woldson-performing-arts-center or by visiting the venue box office Mon-Fri, noon to 5 p.m.