Play about storyteller Te Ata

‘Te Ata’ Sheds Light on ‘Bearer of the Dawn’A Colbert native and an Southeastern Oklahoma State University alumnus will bring the role of young Te Ata to life in the production of “Te Ata,” a play about one of America’s most beloved Native storytellers, when it comes to an Oklahoma City and Washington D.C. stage this summer.

Tana Takes Horse, who now resides in Dallas, will play Mary Frances “Te Ata” Thompson Fisher in the production of “Te Ata.”

The play will be presented June 14-17 and 21-24, 2012 at Oklahoma City University and July 5-8, 2012 at the National Museum of the American Indian Rasmuson Theatre in Washington, D.C.

The Chickasaw Nation and Oklahoma City University are collaborating to present the play inspired by the life and legacy of Te Ata, who enlightened the world about Native American history and culture by sharing the stories of her Chickasaw tribe and other indigenous people

Te-Ata achieved national and international acclaim with her one-person performances of American Indian folklore and enchanted a wide variety of audiences including, presidents, European royalty, heads of state and many more.

“Te Ata brought the beauty and wisdom of American Indian culture to the world in a way that helped develop greater appreciation for core values such as basic human kindness and respect for the natural world,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. “Her life’s work helped bring diverse cultures closer together. She is a shining example of how artistic expression can change hearts and minds.”

Te Ata, which means “bearer of the dawn,” was named the first Oklahoma Treasure 25 years ago and is also a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.Comment:  For more on Native plays, see Native Voices Presents Distant Thunder and Aboriginal Romeo and Juliet.

Below:  Tana Takes Horse.