September 23 & 24 at 7:30 p.m.
September 25 at 2 p.m.
Minority Voices Theater
illioo Native Theater is presenting a concert reading of “Salmon is Everything” at the Minority Voices Theater (a program of the Very Little Theater in Eugene) at 7:30 p.m. on Sept 23 & 24, and at 2 p.m. on Sept 25th. LTWC is honored to be one of the “water partners” for this event, and will be tabling before each production as well as participating in a discussion following each performance.
This presentation of Salmon Is Everything commemorates the 20th anniversary of the devastating fish-kill on the Klamath River and celebrates the resiliency of this diverse community. In the midst of the 2001-2002 drought, upwards of 70,000 salmon in the course of 2 weeks lay dead along the banks of the Klamath River, calling the region’s water policies into question, and pitting neighbor against neighbor.
Based on historical events, the play follows three families that represent three constituent communities in the Klamath River watershed: an upper Klamath ranching family, descendants of longtime residents; a Karuk-Yurok family, whose ancestors have lived in the Klamath watershed since time immemorial, and whose livelihood and culture depends upon salmon; and an environmentalist and her partner caught in the middle of a bitter watershed-wide conflict.
Salmon Is Everything calls attention to the water issues that face many of the rivers and watersheds of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and reflects Indigenous cultures of our region by exploring the ecological issues that are affecting them and all of us. The 90-minute concert reading is suitable for family audiences and will be followed by post-play discussions with representatives from local and regional watershed groups and Native community members.
illioo Native Theatre (iIlioo means “joyful” in the language of the Kalapuya people) was founded in 2020 by Marta Lu Clifford (Chinook, Cree, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) Lori Tapahonso (Diné, Acoma Pueblo) and Theresa May. The company celebrates and showcases Native/First Nations/Indigenous dramatists and artists through productions, concert readings and workshops, and honors the spiritual importance of traditional performance forms, including storytelling and song. illioo also provides consultation to professional and community arts organization in Indigenous dramaturgy.
Tickets will go on sale September 5th with a sliding scale of $5 – $20. For tickets to Salmon Is Everything, please visit: theVLT.com.