Native Playwrights PDX highlights Indigenous voices in Portland theater

Native Playwrights PDX, co-organized by director Amber Kay Ball, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and Lofanitani Aisea, is creating space for Indigenous theater makers to share modern Native stories in Portland, Oregon, according to Underscore Native News. The initiative launched its first staged reading of Aisea’s play “Fo’i Lole” on June 7. It was performed by an all-Indigenous cast.

“Fo’i Lole,” a Tongan creation story, centers femme and queer goddesses. Aisea said the story offers a platform to foster community connections. Native Playwrights PDX also plans to provide resources, host focus groups and develop new works to address underrepresentation in theater.