Preserving the Hopi language through the performing arts

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br>
Kaycee Mooya, one of the students involved in a Three Mesa Productions play that utilizes the Hopi language.

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br> Kaycee Mooya, one of the students involved in a Three Mesa Productions play that utilizes the Hopi language.

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. - The mission of Three Mesas Productions (3MP) is to provide a creative outlet for Hopi youth while preserving the Hopi language through the performing arts. Since its inception in December 2007, 3MP has performed shows throughout the Hopi Reservation and in Flagstaff. This month 3MP will be performing six shows from July 1-6 both on and off the Hopi Reservation.

The 3MP volunteer production team is comprised of Leslie Robledo and Leon Fred. Robledo, who is executive producer, is the owner of Leslie's Hair Salon located in Bacavi. Robledo is also an alumnus of the Hopi Foundation's Hopi Leadership Program.

Fred, who is the artistic director, earned his theatre arts degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and continued post-baccalaureate musical studies at Arizona State University. Fred's regional credits include the roles of Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, leading male in A Grand Night for Singing, and played the voice of Audrey II in The Little Shop of Horrors.

This summer, Fred is teaching a Beginning Voice and Drama class in conjunction with the Hopi Tutukaiki's summer program. This class teaches students to learn how to use their voice as an instrument to express emotion. Also taught are breathing exercises, basic theatre terms and stage direction. Oriah Humehoynewa, Kyarra Humehoynewa, Kaycee Mooya and Leah Kewenvoyouma are the four students enrolled in the Beginning Voice and Drama class. They are also new to 3MP and will be performing for the first time.

There are a number of upcoming shows that everyone is invited to attend:

• Thursday, July 1 at the Kykotsmovi Community Building at 12 and 2 p.m.

• Saturday, July 3 at the Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 4.

• Tuesday, July 6 at the Bacavi Community Building at 12 p.m.

As a nonprofit project under the Hopi Foundation, Three Mesas Productions operates on contributions from the community and is managed entirely by volunteers. Youth volunteers/performers are encouraged to learn the Hopi language and develop their presentation and performance skills to help to build their confidence.

For additional information on 3MP, volunteer opportunities, or to contribute, you may contact Leslie Robledo at (928) 734-9489, Laurel Sekakuku, Hopi Foundation Program Associate at (928) 734-2380 or visit www.hopifoundation.org.

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