CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi
This September, a herd of majestic Buffalo is coming to New York City.
Will you run with them?
Photo by Ant Strack
Something extraordinary is coming to New York City, and we want you to be part of it. Imagine standing in the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan, bringing a beautiful Buffalo puppet to life in front of thousands of people. Imagine being part of a thundering herd reclaiming the city in one of the most extraordinary public art events to hit New York.
A once-in-a-generation spectacle
A vast herd of life-sized Buffalo puppets will run wild through the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan this September, a bold, beautiful act of resistance, resilience, and celebration as America marks 250 years.
For many First Nations peoples, the return of the Buffalo symbolizes the beginning of a new cycle in time. We are inviting you to participate in this moment of reflection and togetherness.
This is public art on an epic scale. 150 volunteer participants will be welcomed into the heart of the action. You will be trained to animate and perform inside one of our life-size Buffalo puppets.
dates
Training dates • Sat, Sep 12 from 10am—6pm
• Sun, Sep 13 from 10am—6pm
• Mon, Sep 14 from 4—10pm
• Wed, Sep 16 from 4—10pm
• Thu, Sep 17 from 4—10pm
• Fri, Sep 18 from 10am—6pm
Rehearsal location St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
Over an intensive week of workshops and rehearsals, you’ll train directly alongside world-leading puppetry teachers, movement artists, and performance directors. You’ll work with First Nations elders and world class musicians and actors joining us to bring this celebration to life.
You’ll then take to the streets of New York City for two days of performance spectacles that will stop the city in its tracks.
We’re looking for 150 volunteers aged 18+ who are:
• Curious, fit, energetic, and ready to go! • Excited by performance, public art, and big ideas • Available for the full week of training and performances • Happy working outdoors, whatever the weather
Those joining us will:
• Learn new puppetry and performance skills • Meet new people and collaborate as part of a large ensemble • Work with internationally renowned artists and directors • Take part in a major public performance event
Everyone is welcome to apply—no previous experience required. Participation is strictly limited to 150 people, so early submission is recommended. This is a volunteer role and is not a paid position.
The team behind the Buffalo
Return of the Buffalo is the latest collaboration from St. Ann’s Warehouse and The Walk Productions—the co-producers of Little Amal Walks NYC, named Best Theatre of 2022 by the New York Times. Creative Director Amir Nizar Zuabi and Puppet Director Craig Leo lead the artistic team. The life-sized Buffalo puppets are designed by Ukwanda Puppets—the award-winning Cape Town company whose work has travelled from the Congo to the Arctic Circle.
These are world leaders in their field. For one week in September, they are dedicated to raising a NYC herd of Buffalo, powered by you.
Good to know
• This is a volunteer role and is not a paid position.
• Light refreshments will be provided on training days. • Rehearsals involve physical activity and working with life-sized puppets. • These are life-sized Buffalo puppets, requiring a team of 3 puppeteers to operate. • Rehearsals will involve day-long physical activity and performances are outdoors and last approximately two hours. • The event routes will travel up to two miles per event day in downtown Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. • We aspire to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants. • We are looking for people who are physically fit and strong. However, we aspire to be accessible for all. If you would like to participate and have accessibility needs, please get in touch so we can design a specific approach to accommodate you.
Join the Buffalo herd
TO APPLY, complete the Google signup form here. You’ll need to answer some questions and provide a short video to introduce yourself.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON JULY 15. If you have any questions, reach out to Ashley at: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi is created by Amir Nizar Zuabi and conceived in partnership with the Elders of the Lenape and Lakota Tribes, Creative Director Bryan Doerries (Theater of War Productions Artistic Director), Music Director Adam Shore, Nonesuch Records President David Bither, and Immediate Medium Artistic Director JJ Lind. The Puppetry Design is by Ukwanda Puppets of South Africa, and the Puppetry Director is Craig Leo.
Leadership support for Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi is provided by The Jerome L. Greene Foundation, with additional funding from Alexander Leff and James Armstrong, Stephanie and Tim Ingrassia, Wendy vanden Heuvel / Distracted Globe Foundation, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Alliance for Downtown New York, H.B. Henson Fund and Cheryl Henson, SHS Foundation, and the DUMBO Business Improvement District.
