Stories & Poetry

“Aan Yátx’u Sáani: Noble People of the Land, The Juneau Histories Theater Project,” is a one-of-a-kind theatrical event in which 5 Alaska Native community members share their real stories, illuminating their deep connections with the past, present, and future of Juneau and Southeast Alaska. With music and video projections, they weave their memories with little-known histories revealing massive changes that have marked the heart of Alaska’s Capital City. “Aan Yátx’u Sáani: Noble People of the Land” lifts up enduring community and cultural values towards a more inclusive and just future for all Alaskans.

“Aan Yátx’u Sáani: Noble People of the Land” is written and directed by Ryan Conarro and Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, in collaboration with the storytellers: Ernestine Hayes, Khinkaduneek Paul Marks, Lillian Petershoare, Marcelo Quinto, and Walter A. Soboleff, Jr.

Produced by Juneau Arts & Humanities Council in association with Ping Chong + Company.

A discussion following “Aan Aan Yátx’u Sáani:The Juneau Histories Theater Project”

“Aan Yátx’u Sáani: Noble People of the Land, The Juneau Histories Theater Project,” is a one-of-a-kind theatrical event in which 5 Alaska Native community members share their real stories, illuminating their deep connections with the past, present, and future of Juneau and Southeast Alaska. With music and video projections, they weave their memories with little-known histories revealing massive changes that have marked the heart of Alaska’s Capital City. “Aan Yátx’u Sáani: Noble People of the Land” lifts up enduring community and cultural values towards a more inclusive and just future for all Alaskans.

“Aan Yátx’u Sáani: Noble People of the Land” is written and directed by Ryan Conarro and Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, in collaboration with the storytellers: Ernestine Hayes, Khinkaduneek Paul Marks, Lillian Petershoare, Marcelo Quinto, and Walter A. Soboleff, Jr.

Produced by Juneau Arts & Humanities Council in association with Ping Chong + Company.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

After successful pilot programs in Washington, DC, and Chicago, Poetry Out Loud was launched in high schools nationwide in the spring of 2006 and has grown to involve millions of students across the country. Since 2006, the Alaska State Council on the Arts and its partners, including the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, have provided a statewide Poetry Out Loud Competition.

Original short stories from Alaska writers Clint Farr, Mary Kudenov and Heather Lende come to life as they are read aloud by local actors Elizabeth Pisel Davis, Christina Apathy and Doneice Gott.