New Native Theatre presents

The Bird Blind

Written by Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler
Directed by Rhiana Yazzie

Two Days Only — A Special Staged Reading — FREE ADMISSION

Thursday, October 22, 2026
AT 1:00PM AND 7:00 PM

Friday, October 23, 2026
AT 1:00PM AND 5:30 PM

At the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts — Elvera Voth Hall

Upcoming Performances

Reserve Seats

About The Play

The Bird Blind, a world premiere by Alaska Native writer, Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler, is an unflinching and compassionate story set in an Inupiaq village on Alaska’s Norton Sound. As generations clash, addictions simmer, and the tundra bears silent witness, a young boy and a troubled hunter expand the meaning of kinship in a makeshift bird blind. With razor-sharp dialogue and cultural truth, Eckenweiler weaves a play that is both a gut punch and a prayer revealing how even burdened people can find their way home. NNT is known for discovering and developing Native writers; following in that tradition, this new play will be directed by Artistic Director, Rhiana Yazzie.

Run Time
Approximately‍ ‍120 Minutes, including intermission

Age Recommendation
This production contains mature themes, strong language, and is not recommended for children.

“I was swept up… from the beginning…”

— Cherry and Spoon
“The cast is impeccable.”

— Arthur Dorman, Talkin’ Broadway
“That was so real, I saw my childhood. It was powerful. It was healing."

— Community Elder
“The Bird Blind is very much worth your time and attention.”

— Arthur Dorman, Talkin' Broadway
“It’s a gripping story that’s hard to watch at times, but rewarding… The Bird Blind is… both harsh and beautiful.”

— Cherry and Spoon
"That they could live a life that’s beautiful.”

— Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler, Playwright
Read the MPR News story
“A strongly written play that takes us to new terrain, while revisiting truths common to all humanity.”

— Arthur Dorman, Talkin’ Broadway

Quick Guide

A Special Staged Reading
Thursday, October 22, 2026
at 1:00PM and 7:00 PM
Friday, October 23, 2026
at 1:00PM and 5:30 PM
Free Admission.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts — Elvera Voth Hall
621 W 6th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
The Bird Blind includes themes around addiction, recovery, and the impact these struggles can have on family. This show is not recommended for children. Because sensitivities vary, we invite audiences to reach out to our Box Office if you’d like to learn more about the show’s content before attending.
New Native Theatre exists to support Native artists and to present the full range of Native storytelling. Those stories include joy and humor, and times of grief, addiction, abuse, and loss.
Artistic Director, Rhiana Yazzie says, “We don’t avoid difficult subject matter when it reflects real experiences in our communities. At the same time, we are intentional about the work we choose. We’re not interested in stories that exploit harm or use trauma for shock value. We select plays that approach complex topics with responsibility and purpose and leave our audience in a better place than when they walked into the theater.”
Recently, we hosted a community talk-back that included Native social service providers, counseling professionals, artists, and audience members. The goal was to begin building a structure for how we prepare audiences for challenging material. We discussed what types of content advisories are helpful and what tools or supports might be included in a study guide.
This conversation is guiding our approach as we continue developing thoughtful advisories and identifying relevant resources for audiences and educators.
The Bird Blind addresses difficult themes while remaining grounded in character, relationship, and accountability. We trust our artists and our audiences to engage with this work thoughtfully.
New Native Theatre’s world premiere production of The Bird Blind ran from April 22-May 10, 2026 at 825 Arts in St. Paul, MN.