JudyLee Oliva’s “Te Ata,” a play with music, is based on the life of Chickasaw storyteller Mary Frances “Te Ata” Thompson Fisher, who was named Oklahoma’s first State Treasure in 1987. The world premiere production was staged in the newly renamed and renovated Te Ata Memorial Auditorium on the campus of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha from August 5-13, 2006. The USAO Foundation, the Chickasaw Nation and East Central University jointly sponsored “Te Ata,” with generous support from friends of USAO and of Te Ata.

Nearly 200 cast, crew and staff members across the nation worked together to bring “Te Ata” to the stage. The cast included actors from 10 states and eight Native tribes. More than 3,300 audience members from 30 states enjoyed eight performances, including state and federal officials and a dozen reporters for state and national publications. Opening night was preceded by a gala event hosted by Governor Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation and a host of Chickasaw legislators. Eighty-six members of Te Ata’s remaining family attended the performances, which were made possible by 28 corporate, foundation and individual sponsors.