Native Voices at the Autry Presents the World Premiere of PURE NATIVE

The only Equity theatre company dedicated exclusively to developing and producing new work by Native American artists, Native Voices presents the world premiere of Pure Native (workshopped as Corn Soup) by Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora).

Brewster White returns to the reservation, with a plan to convince the tribal council and clan mothers to lease "Rez" water rights to a large food conglomerate that wants to sell Pure Native bottled water. The only problem is his close friends and family aren't on board, and his old love Connie is fiercely opposed. Will the community vote to change their recipe for traditional life with a proposal to bring hundreds of jobs to the Rez if it risks dramatically changing their daily lives? Or will they hang on to tradition?

"This story takes place against the backdrop of a romantic comedy, filled with situational humor," said Randy Reinholz (Choctaw), Native Voices Producing Artistic Director. "It also raises questions facing Native communities today. Can traditional cultures evolve, become modern yet remain traditional? How can traditional values support economic development? When big business harnesses natural resources, are there always adverse detriments to the environment? How do Native governments interact with big businesses as equal partners?"

Jean Bruce Scott, Founder and Producing Executive Director of Native Voices at the Autry, said, "I am so excited Native Voices is producing Pure Native. Playwright Vickie Ramirez has a unique point of view and voice that's always refreshing and she writes great comedy with a wicked satirical bent! This play has everything I want for a fun and entertaining evening in the theater--community politics intertwined with social issues, romance, and food! Everyone thinks they are fine until Brewster comes in and stirs the pot."

2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Native Voices. This year the theatre company will also receive the Gordon Davidson Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Los Angeles Theatrical Community from the LA Drama Critics Circle.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Night
Friday, March 8, 8:00 p.m.

A reception with the cast and crew follows the Opening Night performance.

Talk-Back With the Playwright
Saturday, March 9, 2:00 p.m.

Following the matinee performance, Artistic Director Randy Reinholz (Choctaw) and playwright Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora) will discuss the genesis of Pure Native and their processes for writing and producing new plays.

Student Matinees
Friday, March 15, and Friday, March 22, 11:00 a.m.

Tickets for Pure Native are $10 for Autry members; $25 for nonmembers; and $15 for students, seniors (60+), and military. Preview tickets are free for Autry Members; $15 for nonmembers; and $10 for students, seniors (60+), and military. Student matinee prices are $2 per student. Performances take place at the Wells Fargo Theater, located at the Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For reservations and additional information, please visit TheAutry.org/NativeVoices.