Extended Family, Endless Summer
This season carried our NNT family far and wide — from sandy beaches and winding highways to the bustle of the State Fair, the stage of the New York Philharmonic, and the heart of Indian Market. Along the way came impromptu rehearsals, unexpected encounters, and major artistic milestones. No matter the backdrop, our artists carry story, connection, and community with them — and this is your postcard from the journey.
Artist Spotlight: Leilehua Lanzilotti
Photo courtesy of the artist.
We’re proud to co-commission a new dance-inflected work by Leilehua Lanzilotti, which will premiere in Te Ao Mana’s Tatou Festival.
Meanwhile, her orchestral piece of light and stone just had its world premiere with the New York Philharmonic — commissioned in honor of Gustavo Dudamel’s first concert as Music & Artistic Director Designate. The 15-minute symphonic work draws from the musical legacies of Hawaiʻi’s royal siblings (Nā Lani ʻEhā), weaving motifs of home, loss, and resurgence across four movements. Read more here.
Just in - GRAMMY® first-round opened with Leilehua's work up for consideration in Contemporary Classical Composition, Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance, Classical Compendium, Classical Instrumental Solo, and Album Cover. Mic drop.
Postcard from the Road
Left to right: Shinnana Secody, Elena Yazzie, LaReina LaPlante, Niizhogaabo Holmes, and Nathaniel TwoBears
Greetings from the beach! A few of our NNT ensemble packed up for a road trip to a Renaissance festival out of state, proving that the spirit of theatre travels well. Between sand, sunshine, and highway miles, they even snuck in a few lines of impromptu rehearsal from Fallenstar: The Watchoverers.
Wish you were here!
Fair Time Fangirl Moment
This summer, Artistic Director, Rhiana Yazzie and Senior Artistic Producer, Genevieve Lane joined MPR’s Native News live at the State Fair. That’s when G completely lost her cool spotting Ojibwe culture and language star James Vukelich. Rhiana, ever the savvy director, stepped right in with an introduction — and even suggested a photo op.
Now that’s the kind of quick-thinking support everyone deserves behind them!
Postmarked: Santa Fe
New Native Theatre got a chance to check out Indian Market this year in Santa Fe care of our friends at First Nations Performing Arts in New York City! Our AD, Rhiana, brought her dad to some of the gatherings. Astute eyes might recognize this elder as Haastiin Biyazhi in AMC's Dark Winds series as the little ol' Navajo man who sits in front of the Navajo tribal police station who only speaks Diné bizaad. She also got to chat with artists from across the country like Raven Chacon, Blackhorse Lowe, Nathan Young, Linday Aveilhé, Andrea Hanley and our own NNT ensemble members, Dannielle Jagelski, Bradley Lewis, and Leilehua Lanzilotti!
As this postcard comes to a close, we look ahead to new journeys, new stories, and new connections. None of it is possible without you. A donation today helps ensure Native voices continue to resonate from our stage to the wider world.
