World Premiere Play Sells Out Opening Weekend, Attracts National Attention
(photo gallery)

CHICKASHA – Performing and visual arts fans from across the nation gathered in Chickasha last weekend for one of Oklahoma’s first official centennial events. More than 1,500 spectators from 30 states attended Saturday and Sunday’s performances of the “Te Ata” world premiere and its accompanying Native American Women art exhibit at the University of Science and Arts.

“Te Ata,” a full-length play by award-winning Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva, combines Broadway quality costumes and custom lighting with a stunning multi-tiered set. The play also features live music performed by an orchestra composed of musicians from around the state.

Six performances remain for the colorful musical drama that captures the life of famed Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher, recognized around the world as an ambassador for Oklahoma and Native peoples. Tickets are still on sale at the door or by phone for the remaining shows, which begin Wed., Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

A predominately Native American cast from eight states and 10 Native tribes presents the story of Chickasaw storyteller Mary “Te Ata” Thompson Fisher, whose Native name means “Bearer of the Morning.”

State, tribal and local dignitaries joined the festivities Saturday evening for an inaugural reception hosted by the Chickasaw Nation in the USAO Ballroom. Among the nearly 400 guests were 86 of Te Ata’s relatives.

“Some of us haven’t been together in 25 years,” said Te Ata family historian Gene Thompson. “The Te Ata World Premiere serves as the perfect event to bring together members of her family from all across America.”

At the pre-curtain event, USAO President John Feaver introduced a pantheon of state officials and leaders in arts organizations.

“We are gathered here this evening to celebrate the life of one who gave myth and legend to this college,” said Feaver, “myth and legend which now provides it with the enduring strength and energy 85 years later to do wonderful things for Oklahoma’s best and brightest.”

Among the most notable members of Te Ata’s family was U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (R-Dist. 4), a great-nephew of the storyteller. He was accompanied by his wife, Ellen, and their son, Mason, an educator from Mississippi.

“Te Ata may well have been the most unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw of the 20th century,” said Cole. “She always believed that there was not only this glorious past, but there was a meaningful present and there was a brilliant future ahead of her and ahead of her people. She enjoyed telling the stories of the Chickasaws and of all Native peoples. She was really a remarkable pan-Indian ambassador to the world, performing before kings and queens and statesmen.”

A primary host of the event was Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation, joined by Lt. Gov. Jefferson Keel, Chickasaw Supreme Court Chief Justice Cherri Bellefueille-Elred and Chickasaw legislators Holly Easterling, Mary Jo Green and Wanda Scott.

The evening was distinguished by a special ceremony during which all 86 members of Te Ata’s family gathered in an “Honor Circle” around a large drum used by the storyteller throughout her 70-year career. Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva wove a 500-ft. piece of ribbon bearing Te Ata’s name through the hands of each family member, signifying Te Ata’s legacy that continues to touch people of all walks of life.

“Welcome to my dream,” said Oliva. “It has been a dream of mine for 13 years to get this play up in a full production. It’s been a struggle and it’s been a challenge, but how many people in their lifetime get to see their dreams come true? It’s happening tonight. We’re making history tonight. We’re telling an important story tonight.”

Lona Barrick, administrator for the Chickasaw Nation’s Division of Arts & Humanities, spoke of Te Ata’s cultural legacy.

“We are gathered this evening to commemorate Te Ata's beautiful life, her lasting legacy as a great representative of her people, the Chickasaws, and her courage and perseverance as a leader, artist, woman and cultural visionary,” said Barrick. “The ribbon represents Te Ata's ever-present spirit, forever circling and touching all who have come to know her story.”

During the ceremony, the Troutt Hall Main Auditorium was officially renamed the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium. Patti Rogstad, Chair of the USAO Board of Regents, joined in the dedication of the facility.

“Like the rising sun bringing each new day, the Bearer of the Morning has inspired generations of men and women to be filled with hope and aspirations for a better life,” said Rogstad. “We recognize Te Ata's lifelong devotion to education and her affinity for her alma mater, the Oklahoma College for Women, today known as the University of Science and Arts.

“USAO was founded on 20 acres of Chickasaw land donated by Chickasha businessman, Buck Sparks, in honor of his daughter Nellie Gains Sparks,” said Rogstad. “It was his wish that, following her untimely death, a women's college could be established on her tribal allotment.”

Barrick concluded the ceremony with the official dedication.

“Henceforth, from the drumbeats that resonate from her beautiful instrument, may the USAO Main Auditorium be forever known as the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium,” said Barrick. “May her memory forever be enshrined on this hallowed Chickasaw land.”

Gene Thompson beat Te Ata’s drum four times, symbolizing the four directions, the four seasons and the four elements.

More than 150 members of the opening night audience stayed for a late-night cast party, where Te Ata family members related their own memories of the elegant actress.

T-shirts, posters and other souvenirs are available in the Te Ata gift shop in the lobby. With tickets still available for the remaining six performances from Aug. 9-13, the university community is anticipating a large turnout this week.

More information about the “Te Ata” world premiere is available online at www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com, and tickets are available by phone at (405) 574-1213.

As part of the Gala, State House Speaker Pro Tem Susan Winchester (R-Dist. 47) and State Sen. Ron Justice (R-Dist. 23) presented a joint congressional resolution in honor of the theatrical production, its playwright, the university and the Chickasaw Nation.

Other dignitaries included State Supreme Court Justice Jim Winchester; U.S. District Judge Tim Leonard, along with his wife, Nancy Leonard, immediate past president of Leadership Oklahoma; State Rep. Daisey Lawler (D-Dist. 24); Gov. Brad Henry’s advisor Dr. Don Davis and his wife, Beverly; and Interim Chancellor of the State System of Higher Education Dr. Phil Moss, and his wife, Peggy.

Other notables included Ann Thomson, executive director of the Oklahoma Humanities Council; Jeanie Edney, deputy director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission; Greg Main, chief executive officer of venture capital company i2E; Bill Gummerson, chairman of the board for Preservation Oklahoma; and Mark Stansberry, a regent for the Regional University System of Oklahoma, and his wife, Nancy.

Additional names included Bill Bleakley, publisher of the Oklahoma Gazette; television anchor Gerry Bonds of OETA-TV and her husband Ken, a founder of Red Earth; Meg Salyer, vice chair of the Oklahoma Heritage Association; Debbie Williams, executive director of the Oklahoma Commission on Public Art, and her husband, Gary, who heads Creativity In Motion; Jeannie Hoffman Smith, advisory committee chair of the Inasmuch Foundation; and Mike Cawley, president and CEO of the Noble Foundation.

Also introduced were Julie Knutson, president of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals; and Craig Knutson, chief of staff of the Oklahoma Insurance Commission; and Dr. Scott Barton, dean of the school of humanities and social science at East Central University, a partner in the production.

'Te Ata' Rehearsals Now Underway

Rehearsals for the world premiere production of "Te Ata," by JudyLee Oliva, are underway at the University of Science and Arts. The off-Broadway play with music runs Aug. 5-13 in the newly renovated and renamed Te Ata Memorial Auditorium at USAO. From left are Katie Barton of Norman, Donna Brooks of New York (back), DeLanna Studi of Los Angeles (front), Robert Cheadle of Ada, Nancy Goate of Oklahoma City, Scott Stoney of Dayton, Ohio, Brandon Blankenship of Ada and Julie Ray Burwell of Ada. Tickets are on sale now by phone at (405) 574-1213. More information about "Te Ata" is available online at www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com and a new photo gallery is available at www.usao.edu/news/Photo_Gallery_Folders/TeAta/Rehearsal1.htm.

New Exhibit Explores Native Women’s Experience

CHICKASHA – Coinciding with the theatrical world premiere of "Te Ata" the University of Science and Arts is hosting a unique Native American art exhibit that will bring to life the “real world” experience of the American Indian woman.

The opening reception is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 in the Davis Hall Art Gallery. "Te Ata" premieres later that night at 7:30.

Curated by artist Carol Whitney, the Native American Women exhibition explores Native American women from the experience of men, women, Indian and non-Indian artists.

"Through these diverse perspectives, I hope to avoid the predictable icons of romantic Americana," Whitney said of the show. "Though enchanting, such images speak little to the real experience of the exuberant 21st century Native American woman."

From documentary film to multimedia assemblages, photography to bronze sculpture, this exhibition will confront the viewer with unique and exciting interpretations of the subject, according to Whitney.

Whitney said she selected artists who are recognized as inventive practitioners of imaginative and challenging art.

"Each brings a unique vision to the subject through the presentation of a number of pieces," she said. "In this way, viewers should come away with a broadened perspective of both the subject and a greater appreciation of each artist's unique vision, techniques and talents."

The exhibit will be unveiled as part of the "Te Ata" world premiere. Based on the life of Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher, who graduated from the Oklahoma College for Women (now USAO) in 1919, the off-Broadway theatrical production tells the story of the Native storyteller who was named the first Oklahoma State Treasure in 1987. For more than 70 years, Te Ata performed a one-person show internationally. Among her audiences were U.S. presidents, governors, kings and queens.

Brought to life by award-winning Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva of Albuquerque, "Te Ata" features a predominately Native cast from across the U.S. Tickets for the production are available by phone through the USAO Box Office at (405) 574-1213.

Beginning on opening night, the USAO Art Gallery will feature 12 artists including a memorial presentation of work by "Petas," the Native and professional name used by Comanche-Kickapoo artist Wendy Mahsetky Poolaw who died earlier this year. Whitney said Poolaw, the great-great-great granddaughter of Chief Quanah Parker, was an extremely mature contemporary artist whose work spanned the worlds of mainstream and Native American art.

"Her ever-evolving creativity is an outstanding example of our theme and praise of Native American women," Whitney said.

Artists include Debra Ahtone of the Kiowa tribe who incorporates historic reference with pop culture images, traditional and far-from-traditional materials to make political and social statements.

Choctaw-Chickasaw Ronald Wayne Anderson's art spans a spectrum of painting, sculpture, poetry, photography, ceramics and video. All of his work, however, could be considered "conceptual" as each piece is a statement of the artist's philosophy and values of art, religion, culture, history and current events.

Annette Arkeketa of Otoe-Missouria and Muscogee Creek heritage founded Hokte Productions and has made many video documentaries promoting American Indian leaders, educators, artists and other role models.

"I found that the creative process of producing documentaries has fulfilled that need I had to visually tell a story that has all the elements I believe make me whole as an artist," Arkeketa said.

Kiowa/Delaware artist Parker Boyiddle said his approach is one of cultural transcending. 

"People can only idealize their ancestral past," said Boyiddle. "My ancestors were Plains Indians – Kiowa on my father's side and Western Delaware on my mother's. Both hunted buffalo and were nomads. Today there is no way I could live that life, but I can exercise some of the customs, morals and religion of my people and still function in modern life."

Cynthia Clay was born to a Comanche mother and a military father from Texas. Her art is inspired by her travels across the world and the vision and stories told by her Comanche grandmother about times "before the country opened."

Grounded in two worlds of Oklahoma's Native American community and the South Texas Latino art scene of San Antonio, Joan Frederick approaches art with a photographic eye. Of Gringa heritage, she is using the highly popular contemporary art scene of South Texas "to make a statement that Indians are not a vanishing race … but they live in the modern world, vital and distinctly Indian, even under extreme upheaval and duress."

Juanita Pahadapony, also of the Comanche Nation, says the theme of Native American Women is appropriate for her work.

"The earth is like a woman – living breathing, changing, adapting and, at times, unpredictable," Pahadapony said. "The theme of Native American Women connects my work to the earth and her resources. All of my art pieces are visual narratives of this connection to the environment."

Tom Poolaw of the Kiowa Nation has earned many awards for his art and had works displayed in the National Museum of the American Indian Collection at the Smithsonian, Denver Art Museum, the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Jacobson Native Arts Center among others.

Susan Shannon got her love for photography from her parents after her father brought home the family's first camera from Germany after World War II. The Osage Indian realized the importance of her childhood being chronicled by her parents through photos because "Native American life is hardly ever covered in the mainstream," she said.

Richard Whitman of Yuchi-Creek heritage found his role as an artist, a culture worker and a tribal citizen in 1973 at Wounded Knee.

"I began to see the artist’s role in the context of the struggles at that time," Whitman said. "In North America, too often artists seem to do marketable work of safe images to hang on the wall, not work that is engaging and saying something about how it is with us today."

The exhibit includes a commemorative wall hanging featuring photos of Te Ata during her storytelling years. The quilted blanket was a fundraising project by the USAO Alumni Association for a future statue of Te Ata to be built in the Oklahoma Treasures Garden at the State Capitol.

The Native American Women art show runs Aug. 5 through Sept. 1. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, with special openings two hours before each performance of "Te Ata." More information about the USAO Art Gallery is available online at www.usao.edu/gallery. Information about the world premiere of "Te Ata" is available online at www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com.

Gov. Henry Announces World Premiere Native Play
(photo gallery)

U.S. Congressman Tom Cole joined Gov. Brad Henry and a host of state and tribal dignitaries on Wednesday to honor the memory and legacy of one of Oklahoma’s most notable historical figures – and the story of her life. Native Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher (1895-1995) toured nationally and overseas as a solo performer for more than 70 years. Eleven years after her death, the story of her life is coming to the stage.

A press conference held in the Blue Room of the State Capitol joined media members with state and federal politicians in a tribute commencing the official kick-off and state endorsement of “Te Ata,” an off-Broadway play with music. Based on the real life story of Te Ata Fisher, the play runs Aug. 5-13 at the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha.

Joining the governor at the podium were Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby and USAO President John Feaver, along with “Te Ata” playwright JudyLee Oliva and cast members. Henry, who served as emcee for the event, said that the story of the storyteller warrants statewide attention.

“It is most important, as we celebrate our great state’s first 100 years, that we remember and highlight the lives of those Oklahomans who really made this a great state,” said Henry. Te Ata’s story of overcoming racial boundaries, he said, make her an important historic figure for the state.

Born and raised in Tishomingo, Te Ata attended school at the Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha (now USAO). Upon her graduation, she moved to the east coast and appeared in several Broadway productions. It was there that she developed her one-person show, drawing on her Native heritage and inspiring in those that she met a “love for what is beautiful,” as she said.

Throughout her lifetime, Te Ata performed for audiences worldwide including the White House, where President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, King George VI and the Queen of England viewed her celebration of Native culture. She eventually married a white man, Dr. Clyde Fisher, curator of the Hyde Planetarium in New York. Among Fisher’s personal friends was famous physicist Albert Einstein.

Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva said that the spirit of Te Ata continues today.

“I feel like her spirit is a ribbon, and she just continues to wrap around people, and her story continues to wrap around people,” said Oliva. “Te Ata,” she said, is the culmination of 13 years of research into the real life of Te Ata, who was named Oklahoma’s first State Treasure in 1987 by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

An award-winner by her own right, Oliva has written nearly 30 plays and was named one of the “Dynamic Chickasaw Women of 2005” by The Chickasaw Nation. Alongside Oliva at the conference were members of the cast Donna Couteau Brooks and Scott Stoney, as well as director Sherry Landrum and members of Te Ata’s family.

Tom Cole said that Te Ata, his aunt, was an important part of his family life.

“I grew up my whole life with Te Ata,” Cole said. “She was the great matriarch in the family.”

John Feaver praised Oliva for capturing the essence of Oklahoma’s beloved storyteller and a favorite alumna of the college, class of 1919.

“As one of our most distinguished and globally recognized alums, she’s a part of our family,” Feaver said. “She returned many times to USAO, was a dear friend of the college and we are honored to pay tribute to this extraordinary cultural ambassador.”

Members of the Chickasaw Nation gathered also to honor the legacy of the woman who was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1991.

“She was a great ambassador for the Chickasaw people, but for all Indian people as well,” said Anoatubby.

On a massive stage designed by nationally renowned imagineer Robert Cothran, Te Ata comes back to life in the form of two characters: a younger and an older form of herself.

Elder Te Ata is performed by Donna Brooks, a Sac & Fax storyteller from New York who has performed in off-Broadway shows and film. She and her husband have performed at the Smithsonian and were selected as two of 14 storytellers representing the Western Hemisphere.

DeLanna Studi of Los Angeles plays Young Te Ata. At 25, the award-winning actress received multiple American Indian acting awards for her lead roles in Hallmark’s “Dreamkeeper” and Showtime’s “Edge of America.”

Ironically, Dayton, Ohio-based Scott Stoney plays Dr. Clyde Fisher, who originated from Ohio. Throughout Stoney’s 20 years as a professional actor, he has toured overseas in Germany, the Netherlands and France, and is in his 20th year as a resident artist in Dayton.

Tickets for the production are on sale at the USAO Box Office at (405) 574-1213 or online at www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com

Tickets Now on Sale for 'TeAta' World Premiere

 CHICKASHA – One of America’s most beloved Native storytellers comes to life Aug. 5-13 in a unique theatrical production designed to challenge and inspire through the life story of an amazing Oklahoman. Tickets are on sale now for this joint production featuring nationally known actors.

Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher (1895-1995) is one of Oklahoma’s most recognized historic figures. Her story is one of perseverance, deliverance and poetic resolve, says playwright JudyLee Oliva of Albuquerque.

 The world premiere of Te Ata, a an off-Broadway play with live music, is scheduled in Chickasha at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma – on the very stage where Te Ata performed nearly a century ago.

 The production is sponsored jointly by the USAO Foundation and the Chickasaw Nation. Additional support came from East Central University, the Inasmuch Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Kerr Foundation, the Harris Foundation and the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series.

 A cast featuring two of America’s top Native actresses tells the story of her conflicting and dynamic worlds – the Indian and non-Indian cultures that both clashed and worked together to shape her life and world view.

 From humble beginnings in Oklahoma to her triumphant career on the New York stage and back home again on the red soil of her homeland, the woman whose storytelling captured the fascination of presidents and kings takes the audience on a journey that transcends time and culture.

 On a stage designed by internationally known set designer Robert Cothran, the audience is transported between reality and the native, urban and spiritual worlds.

 Throughout the production, Te Ata introduces the characters who most influenced her life. She remembers early fears of white culture and her ultimate fulfillment as a performer. She falls in love with Dr. Clyde Fisher, a white man who was a museum curator from New York, whose devotion transforms her. Young and Elder Te Ata are portrayed by separate actresses, and in a few instances, the two perform together – one in real time, one in memory.

 “The story of the storyteller is beautiful, intense, surreal, musical and worthy of retelling,” says Lona Barrick, who heads the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities. “While books and documentaries have told about Te Ata’s life for years, the storyteller lives again through the medium she loved most, thanks to Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva.”

 Tickets are available by phone from the USAO Box Office at (405) 574-1213 or on the website, www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com.

 Seating is divided into two sections. Gold Section seating can be purchased for $25 each or for $20 each when purchased as a group of 20 or more. Silver Section seating can be purchased for $15 each or for $10 each when purchased as a group of 20 or more.

 The part of Elder Te Ata is played by actress Donna Brooks of New York, who has spent her entire adult life as a native storyteller – just as Te Ata did. A nationally-recognized Sac & Fox storyteller, she and her husband have spent decades using story, song and dance to celebrate the special relationship the Native American people have with the earth and their respect for the natural environment. She has performed in off-Broadway productions, several films, television shows and commercials.

 Los Angeles-based actress DeLanna Studi plays young Te Ata. In the past three years, the Cherokee performer has won several American Indian acting awards for her lead roles in Hallmark’s Dreamkeeper and Showtime’s Edge of America. She lent her narrative voice to the TNT/Dreamworks cable TV collaboration Into the West. With two dozen film and theatre credits under her belt, she chose to audition for Te Ata because of her native roots. “I love the story and it’s about time for this strong Native woman to have her story told,” she said.

 In coordination with the August world premiere release, USAO is renovating its main auditorium, thanks to grants from the Craig Foundation and the Kirkpatrick Foundation. On opening night, Aug. 5, USAO will kick off the large-scale, eight-performance production with a special ceremony during which Troutt Hall Auditorium will be renamed Te Ata Memorial Auditorium in honor of this favorite daughter, a 1919 graduate who was named the First Oklahoma Treasure in 1972 and the first inductee to the USAO Alumni Hall of Fame.

Two Native actresses with national reputations and film credits play Te Ata, both young and old.  Donna Brooks of New York, left, plays Elder Te Ata.  Brooks is a Sac & Fox storyteller who has performed in theatre, television and film.  DeLanna Studi of Los Angeles plays younger Te Ata.  Studi – of Cherokee descent – has won several acting awards for her lead roles in Hallmark’s Dreamkeeper and Showtime’s Edge of America.  More information about the Aug. 5-13 production in Chickasha is available at www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com

The Legend Lives

One of America's most beloved storytellers comes to life in a theatrical experience that will challenge and inspire audiences young and old. 

Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher (1895-1995) is one of Oklahoma's most revered historic figures.  Her story is one of perseverance, deliverance and poetic resolve. 

A cast featuring two of America's top Native actresses tells the story of her conflicting and dynamic worlds – the Indian and non-Indian cultures that both clashed and worked together to shape her life and world view.

From humble beginnings in Oklahoma to her triumphant career on the New York stage and back home again on the red soils of her homeland, the woman whose storytelling captured the fascination of presidents and kings takes the audience on a journey that transcends time and culture. 

On a stage designed by internationally known set designer Robert Cothran, the audience is transported between reality and the native, urban and spiritual worlds.

Throughout the production, Te Ata introduces the characters who most influenced her life.  She remembers early fears of white culture and her ultimate fulfillment as a performer. Enter the love of her life, Dr. Clyde Fisher, a white museum curator from New York whose devotion transforms her. Young and Elder Te Ata are portrayed by separate actresses, and in a few instances, the two perform together – one in real time, one in memory.

The story of the storyteller is beautiful, intense, surreal, musical and worthy of retelling.  While books and documentaries have told about Te Ata's life for years, the storyteller lives again through the medium she loved most, thanks to Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva of Albuquerque.