Festival fosters unity through unfiltered storytelling of BIPOC experiences 

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — This fall, the Momentary will host the first-ever KaniniFest, a one-act play festival featuring three days of plays and immersive performances, dance workshops, drum circles, art installations, and more. Kanini is derived from the Indigenous Australian word Kanyini, which means “oneness.” KaniniFest embodies the concept of love, the direct connection to your land, your spirit, and your soul, and an undying responsibility and caring. The festival will be held across the Momentary’s campus from October 11 through 13.  

Created by actors and artists Christopher Alexander Chukwueke and Tenisi Davis, the current artists-in-residence at the Momentary, under the banner of Moja Productions, the festival is specifically designed for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) playwrights from all over the nation. KaniniFest aims to provide a world-class platform for undiscovered, underserved, or up-and-coming BIPOC playwrights. 

“KaniniFest is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to celebrate the vibrant voices of BIPOC playwrights and bring their stories to the forefront,” said Christopher Alexander Chukwueke, co-creator of KaniniFest. “It is an invitation to embrace diversity and foster a sense of unity within our communities.” 

Inspired by the thought-provoking Crystal Bridges exhibition, We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy, KaniniFest’s inaugural theme is “We the People!” The theme serves as a powerful platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of all America’s children. KaniniFest promises a transformative experience for all attendees, awakening their consciousness and fostering unity through unfiltered storytelling of BIPOC experiences. 

“We believe in the power of storytelling to bridge gaps, challenge perceptions, and inspire change. KaniniFest is an opportunity to showcase the rich tapestry of BIPOC narratives and create a lasting impact on our society,” said Tenisi Davis, co-creator of KaniniFest. 

The festival showcases five BIPOC playwrights from across the United States and their one-act plays. All directors and actors are from the Northwest Arkansas region. KaniniFest will provide work opportunities to the talented actors in the community and assist in the opening of new doors for future endeavors. The festival will also partner with local organizations, like TheatreSquared, INTERFORM, The Medium, and the University of Arkansas. 

The KaniniFest playwrights include: 

-Wahzhazhe Puppet Theater, a Pawhuska, Oklahoma-based group that created larger-than-life puppets and a remarkable performance that vividly conveys the Osage worldview and values.

-Yide Cai, an award-winning playwright from Shenzhen, China, who is pursuing an MFA in Playwriting at Boston University. 

-Yasmine Lancaster, a published poet, writer, playwright, and award-winning filmmaker. 

-Sheri D. Bradford, a Los Angeles-based writer, producer, and performer whose work explores family dynamics, the South, and finding the intersection of comedy and drama in the everyday absurdities of life. 

-Lisa McCree, a distinguished playwright from Bridgeport, CT, whose works have been performed at numerous theaters, including the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Billie Holiday Theater, and more. 

KaniniFest is sponsored by Walmart, Kate and Greg Schaffer, Esther Silver-Parker, Twilla Brooks, and Deborah Wright. For the latest updates, follow the Momentary on social media @themomentary and Moja Productions @kaninifest on Instagram. 

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About KaniniFest/Moja Productions 

Chris and Tenisi, actors and writers, first crossed paths during a production at TheatreSquared in NWA during the summer of 2022. Their time in Arkansas not only fostered a deep appreciation for the region but also highlighted a significant need during their visits to Bentonville, Springdale, Fayetteville, and nearby cities. Conversations with local artists and theater makers underscored a common sentiment: the call for more diversity. This shared vision led to the inception of Moja Productions. Their mission: to curate events and programs that empower BIPOC artists and foster cultural bridges within communities. Recognizing the ambitious yet vital nature of their goals, Chris and Tenisi established Moja Productions to provide a world-class platform specifically for undiscovered, underserved, or emerging BIPOC playwrights. Their initiative is particularly timely given that, according to “The Count” by the Dramatist Guild of America, only 15.1% of published and working playwrights in the United States are people of color. Moja Productions aims to reverse this trend by encouraging BIPOC individuals to amplify their narratives and engage in collaborative efforts with fellow artists.