SPIDERWOMAN THEATER'S BLOCK PARTY POW WOW Adds New Performers

Spiderwoman Theater will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with SPIDERWOMAN THEATER'S BLOCK PARTY POW WOW: AN INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION on Saturday, August 15.

This family-friendly afternoon of art, culture, heritage and neighborhood unity will be held on DeGraw Street between Court and Smith Streets on the border of historic Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill (easily accessible from the F & G lines at Carroll Street Station) from 1pm - 5pm. It is free and open to the public, no reservations required.

In the 1930's, 40's and 50's, Boerum Hill, Red Hook, and Cobble Hill were home to a vibrant Native community: Mohawks from Kahnewake, who built New York's bridges and skyscrapers, and the Western tribes, all found freedom in NYC to practice their songs, dances, and ceremonies in the community where founding members of Spiderwoman Theater, the Miguel sisters, were born and grew up. Now, the Miguels will open up their childhood block for SPIDERWOMAN THEATER'S BLOCK PARTY POW WOW: AN INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION, a look back at the history of the community and the neighborhood where Spiderwoman was born... and Gloria, the eldest Spiderwoman, will be féted as she marks her 100th birthday.

On August 15, in the heart of Brooklyn, SPIDERWOMAN THEATER'S BLOCK PARTY POW WOW: AN INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION will be a sea of color with Indigenous dancers, drummers and singers. Newly announced performers include: drummers Wicozani (from CT); The Tonepahhote Dancers, Joe Cross, Alyssa Mosely and Jamie John; the soulful storytelling and shimmering vocal blend of Ms. Josephine and David Terhune with vocalists Jayden Avery Love and ISA; and Aanmitaagzi (Penny Couchie, Sid Bobb and Ouske Couchie-Bobb) from Nipissing First Nation with dancers from their Summer Arts Program. Previously announced performers include the NYC drum, SilverCloud Singers; and MC Louis Mofsie of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. In addition to neighborhood vendors and speakers, there will also be screened excerpts of Spiderwoman's work and on Spiderwoman's stoop, an excerpt of "Tipi Tales from the Stoop," Murielle Borst-Tarrant's one woman show. This event is curated by Josephine Tarrant.

SPIDERWOMAN THEATER'S BLOCK PARTY POW WOW: AN INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION kicks off a year-long celebration that will continue in Autumn of 2026 as Spiderwoman Theater takes over La MaMa's main East 4th Street location for two weeks, highlighting Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island and the world for a unique mixture of performances, workshops and a visual arts exhibit that will be open to the public.