Photo/Foto: Niki Kekos

Vicky Holt Takamine (Pua Ali’i Ili-ma), Helen Gilbert (University of London), María Francisca Oseguera Cruz (FOMMA), Victoria Patishtán Gómez (FOMMA)

An in-depth discussion on indigenous performance, with a focus on artists and activists from Canada, Mexico, and Hawai'i.

Biographies

Vicky Holt Takamine is the founder and kumu hula (master teacher) of Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, a school of traditional Hawaiian dance. In addition, she teaches hula at UH Manoa and Leeward Community College. She graduated through the 'uniki rituals of hula from Maiki Aiu Lake. Vicky received her BA and MA in Dance Ethnology from the University of Hawai'i. Since 1997, she has coordinated demonstrations, rallies, and marches calling for social, economic, and environmental justice for native Hawaiians.
www.vickytakamine.com
www.ilio.org

Helen Gilbert is Professor of Theatre at Royal Holloway College, University of London. She is currently working on a project on Indigeneity, Globalization and Belonging, following a long-term engagement with indigenous performance in Canada and Australia.

María Oseguera Cruz began her career with FOMMA, working as a cook for the nursery, when the organization was founded in 1994. In addition to contributing to FOMMA's collaborative works, Oseguera Cruz has also written her own short stories and plays. Since 2006 she has been director of FOMMA's executive board.
www.fommachiapas.org

Victoria Patishtan Gómez joined FOMMA in 2001 and has since written short stories, her own life story, and stories about Tzotzil communities that have been used in theatrical works. Victoria (a Tzotzil speaker) learned Spanish through her job and her writing. In addition to acting, Victoria is in charge of costuming and creates masks for different characters, including animals. She also organizes the photo archive and is secretary of the executive board.
www.fommachiapas.org