Eight Stars of Gold
A site-specific interview-based play exploring Alaskan citizenship and identity and investigating and critiquing Alaska statehood. Six fictional community members come together to edit a book of state history. Their research, stories, and interactions are woven from over fifty interviews with Alaskans across the state, from Alaska Native elders, to non-Native homesteader sourdoughs, to newcomer “cheechakos,” to policy makers, to barstool pundits.
Eight Stars of Gold
EIGHT STARS OF GOLD is a site-specific interview-based play exploring Alaskan citizenship and identity, and investigating and critiquing Alaska statehood. Ryan Conarro was director, co-writer, and lead interviewer. Maia K. Nolan was co-writer and interview support. In the piece, six fictional community members come together to create a book documenting Alaska state history. Their research, stories, and interactions are woven from over fifty interviews with real Alaskans across the state—from Alaska Native elders, to non-Native homesteader sourdoughs, to newcomer “cheechakos,” to policy makers, to barstool pundits.
Scenic and lighting design: Art Rotch | Sound: Rory Stitt | Dramaturgy: Merry Ellefson | Costumes: Val Snyder | Stage management: Kristin Garot
Commissioned & presented by Perseverance Theatre with support from the Alaska Humanities Forum Celebrating Statehood Program. Site-specific production at the Alaska Territorial Legislative Hall, Juneau, Alaska, 2009.
