Indigenous Artistry and Decolonization
A FREE Panel Discussion on Wednesday, May 15*
6:15PM | Tap Bar Opens
6:30-7PM | Discussion in Tap Bar
7:30PM | Performance of The Thanksgiving Play in the Ensemble Theater
(tickets not included)
Join us before the Wednesday, May 15 performance of The Thanksgiving Play for a panel discussion that celebrates Indigenous artists, reflects on Indigeneity in Chicago and interrogates the role of decolonization in theatrical spaces.
The conversation will feature Debra Yepa-Pappan (Director of Exhibitions and Programs at the Center for Native Futures), Dane A. Valerio (Chicago-based Indigenous actor and filmmaker) and Dillon Chitto (Indigenous Playwright and Engagement Curator for The Thanksgiving Play) and will be moderated by Steppenwolf Director of Education and Engagement Abhi Shrestha.
Meet the Panelists
Debra Yepa-Pappan (Jemez Pueblo and Korean) is a visual artist, and she is the Director of Exhibitions and Programs and Co-Founder of Center for Native Futures, a dynamic contemporary arts space based in the city of Chicago that supports Native artists through exhibitions, residencies, artist services, and more. She is committed to changing inaccurate representations of Native people, and advocates for the inclusion of Native first voice and perspectives.
Dane Valerio is a Tejano actor and filmmaker originally from Lubbock, TX. They have worked on several on-camera projects including Work in Progress on Showtime, Into the Devil’s Reach (2021) and Bleed American (2019). They recently directed their first short film Husk which will be released in 2024. Dane attributes a large part of his artistry to his indigenous heritage and queer identity. Their lineage hails from the borderlands of Texas-Mexico.
Dillon Chitto is a Mississippi Choctaw, Laguna, and Isleta Pueblo playwright from Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, he learned the importance of art, culture, and traditions from his family, and members of his community. In his playwriting, he connects these ideas using storytelling techniques learned throughout his life. He currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. In the past, Dillon has worked with Native Voices, AlterTheater Ensemble, Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, Sundance Institute, and was the Literary Manager for BoHo Theatre.