Spiderwoman Theater coming to Cloquet

The Indigenous-feminist Spiderwoman Theater is bringing its 16-member ensemble to Cloquet as part of a five-day residency at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, and Northland College, in Ashland, Wisconsin, Feb. 27-March 2.

Spiderwoman grew out of the urban Native community centered in Brooklyn in the 1950s. In addition to their experimental and activist focuses, they have emphasized the importance of interconnectivity among Indigenous communities across the globe.

Spiderwoman Theater was hailed by Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis as "one of the most influential Native theater companies in the history of the country."

The residency includes two performances of Spiderwoman Theater's latest performance, "Misdemeanor Dream," at Cloquet High School's 500-seat auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 1-2. Order tickets ($25 each with 20 percent off for orders of four or more) at https://link.fdltcc.edu/MisdemeanorDream.

Spanning interwoven disciplines, and exploring the realms of Indigenous story, magic, interrupted dreams and lost languages, "Misdemeanor Dream" was developed in partnership with Aanmitaagzi Storymakers in Nipissing First Nation in Ontario, and Loose Change Productions in New York.

The residency also includes a welcome feast at Northland College; a storyweaving workshop for Native theater (by invitation only); and a lecture-demonstration for students and educators. All community events during the residency are free to attend.

"Misdemeanor Dream's" co-creators and storyweaving team leaders are director Muriel Miguel, choreographer Penny Couchie, and voice choreographer Imelda Villalon. The show is dedicated to Kevin Tarrant and company member Tyree Giroux, who both were lost during the pandemic.