Are you or your department interested in the portrayal of Native Americans in literature, the role of the West in erasing Indian culture or the evolution of how Native Americans have been depicted? These ethical and theoretical questions will be raised and addressed in a semester-long examination of Indian identity, a project in its beginning stages and sparked by the planning of the Department of Theatre, Film and Dance to present Arthur Kopit's play Indians in spring of 2002.
"Indians is a remarkable theatrical adventure," said David Feldshuh, Center for Theatre Arts artistic director. "First presented on Broadway in 1970, the play continues to fascinate because of its imaginative approach to an important subject."
The center plans to bring a guest Native American actor to Ithaca to perform the role of Sitting Bull in the play, Feldshuh said.
With this play as an anchor piece, discussions are already under way for a related symposia, lectures, films and exhibits with the American Indian Program, the Johnson Art Museum and Cornell Cinema.
Daniel Usner, professor of history and director of the American Indian Program, said he sees "Indians as a compelling and challenging play that raises serious questions about how American Indians have been represented in the arts. Cornell's American Indian Program looks forward to participating in the campus-wide activities and discussions that this performance promises to generate."
Individuals and/or departments that would like to participate with ideas, events or a sponsorship, should contact Elizabeth Karasin, administrative assistant, at ek68@cornell.edu or 254-2718.
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