What's Happening?
In September, Lower Manhattan will host a unique public art event featuring 50 life-sized buffalo puppets. This event, titled 'Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi,' will take place on September 19 and 20. The buffalo puppets, operated by 150 New
Yorkers, will move through the city accompanied by live music, dance, tribal ceremonies, gospel choirs, and marching bands. The event is organized by playwright and director Amir Nizar Zuabi in collaboration with elders from the Lenape and Lakota Tribes, and presented by St. Ann's Warehouse, The Walk Productions, and KBH Arts. The American buffalo, the national mammal of the United States, symbolizes resilience and survival, especially for Native communities. The event aims to reflect on America's history as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, exploring themes of reckoning, renewal, and humanity's relationship with the land.
Why It's Important?
This event is significant as it offers a platform for reflection on America's complex history, particularly its treatment of Native communities and the environment. By using the buffalo, a symbol of resilience and restoration, the event highlights the importance of learning from the past to foster a future of empathy and respect. It also serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical significance of the buffalo to Native American tribes. The event encourages public participation, inviting spectators to join the procession, thus fostering a sense of community and shared history. As the country nears its 250th anniversary, such events play a crucial role in promoting dialogue about America's past and future.
What's Next?
The buffalo puppets will be constructed in Brooklyn Bridge Park in August, with rehearsals for the volunteer puppeteers to follow. The event will pause at historically significant sites along the route for performances and ceremonies. While specific routes and times have not been announced, the event promises to be one of the most memorable public art displays in New York this year. The organizers aim to engage the public in a meaningful way, encouraging reflection on America's history and its implications for the future.
