Press Notices:

Hamden Chronicle
Interview:
June 27, 1996
*

About Algonkuin Theatre Company
and the Network

Pronunciation:

Algonkuin = AL-GONE-Kwin

Algonkuin Productions was founded in 1993.

It's first production was "Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera" adapted by Marty BlackEagle-Carl. Since then Erik has been our mascot. (For the first 5 years we inserted the word 'Phantom' into every production.)

After the production, which was performed and produced by the Strand Theatre in Seymour, CT, it was decided to expand the company to produce more plays that we've enjoyed reading but haven't seen performed, or more original adaptation of beloved stories.

We hope to be able to bridge the gap of understanding of Native American culture, by also producing plays by and about Native Americans.

Since we are a multi-cultural group, with our roots in Native America, we will be presenting plays from many cultures, not limiting ourselves. We hope you can enjoy our choices.

Mission Statement:

Algonkuin Theatre Company pledges to encourage public awareness and respect for the arts. We shall explore the infinite diversities and infinite combinations of life through the production of live theatre and theatre training programs, to increase public support of the arts. We also hope to bring to the stage plays and stories by and/or about American Indians, their histories, heritage and culture. To teach about Native traditions and understanding. Our goal: to entertain, educate and have fun doing it.

Artistic Director Note (from 'Elegy for an Icon' program)

What makes us who we are? What decides how we live our life, what paths we go down, what culture we call our own. We of the Americas, unlike the rest of the world, are of many cultures, many races, many people. Each person is made up of several ethnic backgrounds. I myself consist of Native Indian, African, and European bloodlines. Everyone decides at some point in there life which of these cultures they will live their life as. Some decide to honor all of their heritage's, a large task, most others decide to live their life as one, I am one of those. I have chosen to follow the Red Road and honor my Native ancestors by learning all that they have learned in their lives, by learning their culture and history, and by passing on what I have learned to others, Native and non-Native.

This play is part of my heritage that I would like to present to you. The story of the Pequot and the Mohegan, although native to this area, is not one we were taught in school. History is always written by the conquerors, it is up to us as the present occupants of these lands to correct the written word and to remind everyone who we are, who we once were, and who we will be again.

This play shows us that in essence, there really wasn't a 'bad guy' of the event. Everyone had their own agenda and reason for their action. Depending on their point of view and considering the times that they lived end, Mason, Uncas and Sassacus were doing what they had to for the betterment of their people. The real losers of the entire event were all the native tribes. Whether their destruction came at the end of this war or in the years to follow, this was just one event that quickened that outcome.

Will we learn from this 'divide and conquer' method? If not, we are doomed to fall prey to it again.

Hope you'll enjoy the story, and you come an see us again.

Why the name change?

Economics. The Artistic Director (namely me) moved to Massachusetts from Connecticut, following a much needed, well paying job. Which resulted in the theatre going into hiatus. But since Algonkuin has been a force, in the last few years, in networking small theatre companies in CT, MA and NH via the internet and email, it only seemed fitting to keep that part of Algonkuin alive and kicking (and sometimes screaming). Algonkuin Small Theatre Network hopes to be a networking hub between small theatre companies to help them share resources and make it easier for them to keep up with the regional theatres in terms of quality acting, beautiful sets, magnificent lighting, stupendous sound, glamorous costumes, etc.

If you are a Southern New England actor, or theatre company and would like to become part of this network (which is basically a collection of names, email addresses and websites), email me your info.

Algonkuin Reborn

Summer of 2004 saw the rebirth of Algonkuin Theatre, with the production of Shakespeare in the Park's 'A Comedy of Errors', in Milford, MA.

For future productions, go to the Upcoming page.

Algonkuin Advisory Board Members - go to Contact page