The solo work, initially developed as part of the Native Theater Festival at the Public in 2007, begins performances Feb. 20 and will run through March 15.
Tales of An Urban Indian, according to press notes, "tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a young Indian man, Simon Douglas. From living life on the 'Rez' to navigating the mean streets of Vancouver's east side, Dennis weaves a funny and stirring story of identity, discovery, choice and self-respect."
Following the Feb. 24 performance, playwright and performer Dennis will be joined by Native director and actor Sheila Tousey, Native Earth Performing Arts artistic director Yvette Nolan, and Native Voices at the Autry artistic director Randy Reinholz for "Balancing Two Worlds: Native Artists in the City and on the Reservation."
On March 3 the Public will host "Native Theater in New York City Today," featuring panelists Steve Elm of Amerinda, Heye Center director John Haworth, Spiderwoman Theater's Muriel Miguel and Mixed Phoenix Theatre Group's Danielle Soames. The Public's literary associate Liz Frankel will moderate.
After the March 10 performance, Cherokee director Betsy Theobald Richards will be joined by writer Suzan Shown Harjo, actor and producer Soni Moreno and Spiderwoman Theater's Muriel Miguel for "The Rise of Native Theater in New York City in the 1960s and 70s." The Public Theater has also revealed that it will host NBC Universal's Native American Talent Outreach panel discussion and networking open call. NBC executives will offer a free industry panel discussion geared toward Native artists on March 9 at 6:30 PM. For reservations, e-mail [email protected].
In addition, an open casting call seeking Native actors for film and television projects will be held by NBC Universal at the Public Theater on March 10 from 9 AM-1 PM. Talent representatives are seeking actors for non-specific roles.
Tickets for the Public LAB series presentation of Tales of An Urban Indian, priced $10, are available by phoning (212) 539-8750 or visit PublicTheater.
The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.
