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“Ode to the Polar Bear” is a half-hour, one-woman show that highlights one Inupiaq woman’s perspective on global warming and the fate of Alaska’s Polar Bear.  It has a multi-media aspect (projected photographs), music, and original costumes.  The show can be done without the projected photos, and an audience participation element (holding a cup of ice) can also be incorporated.  The show has gotten rave reviews and recieved a standing ovation at the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in May of 2008.  Allison would be happy to take this performance on the road to your organization.  Space needs for the show are minimal.

“Wait, Let Me Finish Putting On My Armor” is an ensemble piece with a total of seven performers.  The piece is a true performance art piece, that has a lot of action happening at once and includes elements that force and/or allow the audience to take part of the piece itself.  The show focuses on the psychological process a Native person might go through in order to get ready for the tourist season.  Storyteller Jack Dalton is part of the ensemble, in which he is in a cage, like an animal.  His part of the piece is very moving and deep.

There is also a cardboard cutout people section of the show, where three ensemble members (Debbie Dommek, Curtis Silook and David Thomas) interact more directly with the audience.   At certain moments, the three players stand directly behind the cardboard cutouts and say what every tourist may want to hear.  At other times, they are behind the cutouts, having personal moments between themselves.

Another part of the show is a filmed element, which is projected on the wall.  It is footage of Native people being able to say whatever they want to tourists when faced with ridiculous questions.  Another part of the video involves Native people turning the tables on the tourists and dissecting their lifestyles and customs.

Yet another element invites audience members to dress as tourists upon entering the performance space.  Disposable cameras and clothing are provided.  There are even a couple of tourist “plants” in the audience, who convincingly play their part as the typical out-of-state visitor.

Finally,  Allison Warden herself has her own roped off area in the show.  She portrays a futuristic Inuit person, who is packing for a European trip and finds herself in a quandary about selling her identity and culture to the world.  “All for YOU” she proclaims as she goes through a disturbing and sometimes comical psychological process.

All of the elements happen all at once, allowing the guests to walk around the space and take in different aspects of the show at different times.  With a surprise ending and surprises in between, it is a unique show that was well received by an Anchorage audience.

“Wait, Let Me Finish Putting On My Armor” is available to tour, given enough notice.  The space needs are a bit larger than what is needed for “Ode” yet the props and technical aspects of the show are minimal.

Contact akootchook@gmail.com for booking information and fees.