What’s Happening at KaniniFest in 2024?
This fall, the inaugural KaniniFest — a free, one-act play festival featuring original works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) playwrights —is taking place at the Momentary.
From Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13, the Momentary campus will be full to bursting with fantastic performances, workshops, social events, dance parties, food trucks, and more.
In case you’re still on the fence about coming (and you absolutely should), we’ve compiled a guide to the various performances, workshops, dance classes, and events taking place over the three days of the festival.
Read on for your guide to all things KaniniFest:
Need tickets? Reserve your FREE weekend pass to the festival online.
THE PLAYS
At the heart of KaniniFest are the five one-act plays. Each one is the creation of an exceptional BIPOC playwright from across the United States and features directors and performers from NWA
Sky E.ko Tells Stories of Way Back, The Wahzhazhe Puppet Theater
The Wahzhazhe Puppet Theater presents Sky E.ko Tells Stories of Way Back, an awe-inspiring performance featuring large-scale puppets that bring Osage stories to life. In this show, Sky Grandma narrates the history of the Wahzhazhe (Osage) people from time immemorial to the present day.
Created in 2022 and based in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, this dynamic group is driven by the vision of Welana Queton (Osage, Cherokee, Muscogee Creek), who serves as the Artistic Director and Theatrical Producer. Welana brought together a talented team, including Playwright Candice Byrd-Boney (Osage, Cherokee, Quapaw) and Stage Director Russ Tallchief (Osage). With the support of the Osage Nation Museum, they led a collaborative community-focused process that involved Osage artists, musicians, and performers. Together, they created larger-than-life puppets and a remarkable performance that vividly conveys the Osage worldview and values.
Through puppetry and storytelling, the Wahzhazhe Puppet Theater not only empowers their community and keeps the culturally rooted stories of their Osage ancestors alive but also educates the broader public on Osage culture. This educational aspect adds a significant cultural value to the performance.
THE LITTLE PRINCE, Yasmine Lancaster
The Little Prince is an Afro-futuristic one-act play set in the near future. Jillian, a well-to-do Black woman, has applied to the space program, giving her a one-way ticket to the moon. The play opens up on her final interview that will determine if she leaves Earth or stays put.
Jillian is being interviewed by Justin, a young white ex-military man half her age. Everyone is not what they seem, assumptions are made, secrets are revealed and the truth is told, resulting in a decision that will stay with you long after the play has ended.
THE ARTIFACT, Lisa McCree
THE ARTIFACT is a story that deals with showcasing racism. DR. CURTIS WASHINGTON JACKSON, a Professor at SCALE UNIVERSITY, has dreamt of starting an African American museum in Richmond Virginia. CURTIS has been collecting African American artifacts for years and is now gearing up for his grand opening. However, he is still missing one special rare artifact to open his show. He requires an artifact that will set the tone for the entire exhibit. ELLIE SINGLETON, a former student would be perfect for the task. However, she is apprehensive about procuring slavery artifacts, because she is tired of the same ole’ “Slavery Stories” and desires to change the narrative to reach the young people: with a bit of coaxing she accepts the job, and sets out to find the perfect artifact.
HIGH COTTON, Sheri D. Bradford
After communing with the spirit of her ancestor, SHANNON CAMERON embarks on a journey to convince the current matriarch of the family to let her build a cannabis farm on their historical land.
THE RICE EATERS, Yide Cai
Fan Gao, his family and friends, they are Chinese workers trapped in a factory called Da Fen village. They are Chinese artists gathered at a bohemian hub called Da Fen Village. They are Chinese entrepreneurs crunching numbers at the largest art market in the world called Da Fen Village. They are the agents of all Western demands and desires. They are the pioneers of all Chinese strives and suffers. It is a dance between China and the rest of the world. It is a play about the many privileges in a village.
WORKSHOPS, PERFORMANCES, AND EVENTS
INTERFORM Global Textiles Workshops
INTERFORM will present a series of educational workshops aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for textiles, sewing, and global fashion. Our workshops will offer hands-on experiences and insights into various aspects of these fields, inviting participants of different ages to engage in creative exploration and cultural discovery.
Hand Embroidery
Participants will learn basic hand embroidery techniques using wooden embroidery rings. The workshop will cover a range of embroidery styles, from nature-inspired designs to letters in multiple languages such as English, French, Nepali, Hindi, Swahili, Marshallese, and Japanese. All materials will be provided, and participants will take home their embroidered pieces as souvenirs.
Hand Wood Block Printing
Children will have a blast experimenting with hand block printing on either greeting cards or fabric using wooden blocks. All materials, including aprons, will be provided. Each participant will take home their printed piece as a memento of their creative endeavor.
Sewing
Led by Abwe Abedi, a seasoned sewing expert with nearly three decades of experience, this workshop offers participants the flexibility to choose between hand sewing and machine sewing. Those opting for hand sewing will learn the basics, including techniques such as attaching a button and hemming, while participants selecting machine sewing will be guided through the operation of a sewing machine, from threading to sewing on paper and fabric. All materials, including sewing machines, will be provided for the workshop. Participants will take home their sewing projects as keepsakes, fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. This workshop aims to empower participants of all genders to develop fundamental sewing skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Little Yei
Jaison Leonardo Carrero Espinoza, better known as Little Yei, is a Spanish R&B and Reggaeton singer from Venezuela. His style is made up of the sound of underground hip-hop, freestyle rap, and Latin fusion that evokes a feeling of relaxation and positivity.
Bursting on the scene at just 15 years old, Little Yei entered his first official collaboration with the Colombian duo “Cali and Dandee” with a remix of the song “Ven a Mi”. From there, he ventured on his own, winning freestyle battles in Mexico, Monterrey, and more. Little Yei has captured the attention of the Northwest Arkansas community, and surely, he’ll make you pay attention too.
Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance – Bharatnatyam
Local to Bentonville, Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance trains over one hundred students annually in Bharatnatyam, a celebrated Indian classical dance form. The workshop will be taught by artistic director, Megha P. Rao. Megha has over 20 years of experience as an instructor and performer and has uniquely conceptualized and choreographed several productions throughout her career. This workshop is another step in Dhirana’s core effort to bridge the gap between society and the classical art form by inspiring, educating, and guiding budding talent.
KANINI’AFTERZ
Get ready to move to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat and Dancehall as we end the first night of KaniniFest with an unforgettable party, KANINI’AFTERZ! On October 11, immerse yourself in a night of pulsating beats, vibrant energy, and unity as we bring together the powerful essence of African, Caribbean, and Reggaeton music.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love to move to the rhythm, join us for a night that promises to be as vibrant and diverse as Kanini’Fest itself. Let the music connect us, the dance free us, and the night remind us that we are all ONE.
Youth Acting Workshop – Unleash Your Creativity with the KaniniFest Founders!
Join us for an exciting Youth Acting Workshop led by KaniniFest founders Tenisi Davis and Christopher Alexander Chukwueke! This dynamic workshop is designed for young aspiring actors eager to explore the world of theater through fun and interactive activities.
Participants will dive into the art of improv, connect with peers, and learn the essentials of building memorable characters. Through engaging theater games, Tenisi and Christopher will guide you on a creative journey, helping you discover your unique voice and unleash your imagination.
Whether you’re new to acting or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers a supportive space to grow, learn, and have a blast! Don’t miss this chance to learn from two professional Film, TV, and Stage actors and be part of the magic of KaniniFest!
LatinX Theatre Project (LXTP) Adult / YA Writing Workshop
The LatinX Theatre Project advocates for social change by creating ensemble-made, multi-disciplinary performances that uplift and unite under-represented communities throughout Northwest Arkansas. They provide a safe space that allows artists who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or people with disabilities to speak up.
LXTP is continually adapting and connecting with the current issues of our community, and makes their art accessible and affordable, most especially for those members of our community with limited resources. Join LXTP for an intimate writing workshop where participants will be exposed to the basic elements of writing, including plot, theme, character development, and more.
Bachata & Salsa with En Fuego Dance & Fitness
Hosted by the talented Claudia Aguilar, embark on a thrilling dance journey with our Salsa lesson for beginners. No partner is needed, making the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the passionate world of Latin Dance. Dive into the rhythm and timing of Salsa music while learning essential techniques in leading and following.
Grab a partner or come solo—let’s heat up the dance floor together!
Chinese Association of Northwest Arkansas (CANWA)
The mission of CANWA is to promote, preserve, and celebrate Chinese culture, heritage, and community among Chinese, Chinese Americans, and those interested in Chinese culture. It provides a platform for people to connect, network, and support each other, enhance the understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture among the broader community, and to support their integration into society, whether they are new immigrants or have been in the states for generations.
Join CANWA for a workshop where participants will learn the basics of traditional Chinese dances and a portion of their history.
Pacific Island Dance Workshop with Arlynda Jonas of Tropikal Creations
A practitioner of various Pacific Island Dances since the age of eight years old, Arlynda Jonas was formally trained in those dances in an art school in Kansas City. She leads a hula ministry at a local church and has been able to spread her knowledge of Pacific Island dance and culture through her affiliation with local Pacific Island organizations.
Regularly sharing her knowledge to her dance group Ocean Wave, we are honored to have her join us for this workshop that focuses on the exploration and education of various Pacific Island dances and cultural traditions.
Reluctant Hobo
Artist Statement: I have always loved making things with my hands ever since I can remember and being self taught, my first tool was my intuition. This, since the beginning, has been my guide. It is also exactly how I approached making this piece for KaniniFest. After meeting Tenisi and Christopher and hearing their stories and the significance and meaning of this festival, I felt called on by my intuition to be a part of this. And In the process of creating this piece, I found deep inspiration in the countless stories of the immense fortitude of so many people who came before us. I wanted this painting to be about them and their stories but I also wanted to glimpse into a brighter future. A future of Oneness and Hope. I feel truly honored to be apart of this and to share this stage with these wonderfully talented Artists. Thank you.
African Drum & Dance Workshop
Born into the legacy of traditional African drumming, Tenisi was initiated into the world of drumming at the age 7, guided by his father/Master Performer Baba Tunisi.
After his year-long baptism with the drum, Tenisi spent 15 years training under world-renowned Master Drummers & Dancers Abdoulaye Sylla and Lansana Toure, both of the National Ballet of Guinee and Merveilles de Guinee.
His journey has led him to perform with the Merveilles de Guinee, Ailey 2 and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company.
Ready to see the festivities in person? See the full schedule and book your free festival passes to KaniniFest today!