Francisco to compare traditional theatre, Native American dancing

Ira Francisco, an environmental activist and Native American dancer from Chicago, will present "A Comparison of the Pow-Wow Ritual to European Traditional Theatre" at 7 p.m. March 5 at the Brunner Theatre on campus.

This 50-minute free, public performance is made possible through the Augustana Humanities Fund.

Francisco will compare and contrast elements of Native American pow-performance with traditional European/American models of live theatre. He will focus on explanations of common elements to both cultures, such as purpose, story, audience, performer, spectacle and music or sounds.

His calls his presentation style is "edutainment," as he will demonstrate examples of "grass dancing" in full costume and character. His work shows the strength in the diversity between the cultures and experiences he depicts, particularly from his biracial point of view as a man who is half Navajo, half white.  

“The Native community has evolved to support voices from different communities. We support diversity in a way no other community does," he said. "We have a very strong presence in environmental activism.”

He also will touch on his work at pow-wows as a voice in the environmental approach toward controversial oil and gas industry pipelines, and the shared community views at pow-wows. 

Later in March, Francisco will perform the lead role of “Aaron Thorn” — a biracial, Navajo character — in the regional premiere of a new Irish-American Musical, "Aaron Power!", slated to open on St. Patrick’s Day at Center for Living Arts, 2008 4th Ave., Rock Island.

His list of pow-wow dance credits includes performances at Navy Pier, Lewis University, Jack Benny Middle School and Trickster Gallery in Chicago; Midwest Soaring in Schaumburg, Ill.; Cantigny Park in Lockport, Ill.; and the American Indian Center and the American Indian Association of Illinois (AIAI) in Wheaton, Ill.