Waiting for Wovoka: Envoys of Good Cheer and Liberty

A group of Native American puppeteers traveled to the 1962 World's Fair in a converted school bus. They found solace, humor, and courage with a mute puppeteer, Dummy Trout, who created hand puppets and ironic parleys that mocked authority. The troupe attended a performance of Waiting for Godot and created a puppet parley for Wovoka, the inspiration of the Native American Ghost Dance Religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: Wesleyan University Press

In the summer of 1962, a remarkable journey unfolded as a group of young Native American puppeteers embarked on a road trip from the White Earth Reservation to the awe-inspiring Century 21 Exposition, World's Fair, held in Seattle, Washington. Comprising three young men and two young women, this diverse troupe had faced numerous challenges throughout their lives, including abandonment, abuse, poverty, and the weight of societal expectations. Yet, in the face of adversity, they found solace, humor, and an unwavering spirit of courage within a remarkable mute puppeteer. This Native woman, in her seventies, possessed a unique talent: she wrote original dream songs, intricately crafted hand puppets, and delivered ironic parleys that playfully mocked the ghosts of authority. Her name was Dummy Trout, and her contributions to Native Tributes and Satie on the Seine were equally noteworthy.

As the troupe arrived at the World's Fair, they were captivated by the vibrant energy and cultural diversity that surrounded them. One of the highlights of their visit was witnessing a performance of Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, a play that deeply resonated with their experiences and perspectives. Inspired by the themes of hopelessness and the search for meaning, the troupe decided to create a puppet parley for Wovoka, the inspiration behind the Native American Ghost Dance Religion.

With meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of their cultural heritage, they crafted a captivating performance that brought Wovoka's story to life. The puppets, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs, danced and spoke in a language that transcended time and space, capturing the essence of the Native American spirit. The audience was spellbound, as the troupe transported them into a world where imagination and tradition intertwined, reminding them of the resilience and creativity that flowed within the Native community.

The journey of the young Native American puppeteers from the White Earth Reservation to the 1962 World's Fair was not just a physical adventure but a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on their lives. It was a testament to the power of art, storytelling, and cultural preservation, reminding us of the importance of embracing our differences and celebrating our shared humanity. Through their performances and the enduring legacy of Dummy Trout, these puppeteers continue to inspire and remind us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780819500434