Three Mesa Productions to perform in Hopi

Leslie Roblado (left) is interviewed by Traci Talahytewa regarding a series of puppet shows that her production company, Three Mesa Productions, performed for the Hopi community (Photo by Stan Bindell/NHO).

Leslie Roblado (left) is interviewed by Traci Talahytewa regarding a series of puppet shows that her production company, Three Mesa Productions, performed for the Hopi community (Photo by Stan Bindell/NHO).

POLACCA - Three Mesa Productions performed two puppet shows March 17 at the Hopi Veteran's Center and March 18 at Shungopavi Community Center. There will be another puppet show March 19 at the First Mesa Consolidated Villages Grill and Deli starting at 6:30 p.m.

There is no admission charge to attend the shows.

The two puppet shows last about 40 minutes combined. The first is Iisaw Niqu Yongosohahoya, which means Coyote and the Little Turtle. The second is Tawa Callers, which means Sun Callers. In between the two shows, there will be a sing along and crowd interaction.

Director Leslie Robledo and young puppet performer Alex Allison were interviewed during the Hopi High Teen Show on KUYI last Thursday to promote the show.

Robledo was interviewed by Traci Talahytewa and Allison was interviewed by Joelle Mansfield.

The puppet shows are about old Hopi fables and use the Hopi language. Robledo created Three Mesa Productions, along with Adrienne Talaswaima, after they attended a leadership program through the Hopi Foundation.

Robledo also runs a beauty salon at Bacavi.

Robledo lives in Bacavi where the puppet shows have become a family and community event. Her husband Donavon is the stage director, Stacy Talahytewa painted the stage and Leon Fred serves as artistic director.

The six youth active in the program are Jewel Honanhwanewa, Orrin Poley, Derrick Russel Jr., Christina Poley, Vanessa Nutumya and Allison.

Three Mesa Productions is still looking for a keyboard player and more kids to join. The group rehearses three nights a week from 6:30-8 p.m. at Bacavi Community Center in the youth room.

Robledo said the puppet production teaches kids respect for each other and the Hopi language.

Allison, a 9-year-old fourth grader, plays Little Turtle in the puppet show.

"By joining the show, I've learned a lot of Hopi," he said.

Allison said area youth should come join them in order to have fun. He also plays basketball and softball, but plans to be active in the puppet shows through the summer.

"My parents are happy that I'm involved with the puppet show," he said. "I'm excited about the next play."

Allison, a member of the Pumpkin Clan, resides in Sipaulovi. His Hopi name is Maktima, which means hunt.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read