Native American History on fall stage

The comical-historical-tragical-satrical-musical history of the United States from Christopher Columbus to Donald Trump (as seen through the eyes of Native Americans) is the subject of Grand Valley's fall cultural diversity drama. 

The Michigan premiere of Turtle Island Blues by Minnesota author William Borden will be directed by Roger Ellis, Grand Valley professor of theatre, November 9 - 17, on the Allendale Campus. Six performances are scheduled: 7:30 p.m. November 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, November 11. Ticket prices range from $6 - $12, with special discounts for tribal peoples, GVSU alumni, faculty & staff, seniors and all students. The show does contain some adult situations of violence, and is not recommended for younger audiences.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office in the lobby of Grand Valley's Louis Armstrong Theatre in the Performing Arts Center, noon-5 p.m. weekdays, or through Star Tickets Plus (for a service fee).

Grand Valley's School of Communications will also feature two community panels following performances each weekend. On November 11, following the 2 p.m. matinee, local scholars and community leaders will discuss the socio-cultural issues of the play with the audience. On November 15, a second panel of Grand Valley and Western Michigan University history scholars will examine some of the historical points contained in the drama following the 7:30 p.m. performance. Both panels will serve light refreshments.

"Turtle Island" is the indigenous peoples' name for North America, a region that Borden represents as a playground for western adventurers seeking fame and fortune in the shape of trade routes (India and the Far East), natural resources (particularly gold), real estate ("Manifest Destiny"), souls (converting "the heathen"), and glory (both personal and national). More than an historical treatise, Borden develops his story in a very non-linear and entertaining fashion, establishing frequent unexpected connections between present and past events.  For example, a scene portraying the Lone Ranger visiting his psychoanalyst in the 1950s will follow hard on the heels of General George Custer's ignominious defeat at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876.

Borden was a recent Writer-in-Residence in Grand Valley's theatre program. All of the actors in the multiracial ensemble are Grand Valley students. For more information contact Roger Ellis, stage director, at (616) 331-3485.