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Pure Native

A resonant dramatic comedy set in Upstate New York

APR 15 - MAY 11 | WILSON STAGE

By Vickie Ramirez (Tuscarora)
Directed by Randy Reinholz (Chocktaw)
In Association with Friends of Ganondagan and Native Voices

Synopsis:
Brewster’s back after almost a decade and things have changed. Brews is proud of his success working for a large corporation, and wants to share it with the people of his Rez in Upstate New York. After all, it’s been a bad year, and Brews believes partnering with his corporation on a new bottled water factory would be a great opportunity for the Rez to create its own industry and sustain itself. But to his old love Connie, it’s a betrayal of everything the Haudenosaunee stand for. Who will win?

Total Run Time (Approx): 2 Hours (including a 15-minute intermission)
Context Notes: Suggestions of sexuality, discussions of pregnancy, discussions of substance abuse (alcoholism), discussions of death and suicide, brief discussions of Native American Boarding Schools
Recommended Ages: 13+

Digital Program

Performance Calendar

Accessibility Performances

Sign Interpreted: Thursday 5/8 – 7:30pm
Open Captioned: Saturday 4/19 – 2:00pm, Wednesday 5/7 – 2:00pm, Wednesday 5/7 – 7:30pm
Audio Described: Sunday 5/4 – 2:00pm

Accessibility Info

Choose Date & Time

  • Apr 15, 2025

    Tuesday, 07:30 PM

  • Apr 16, 2025

    Wednesday, 07:30 PM

  • Apr 17, 2025

    Thursday, 07:30 PM

  • Apr 18, 2025

    Friday, 08:00 PM

  • Apr 19, 2025

    Saturday, 02:00 PM

  • Apr 19, 2025

    Saturday, 08:00 PM

  • Apr 20, 2025

    Sunday, 02:00 PM

  • Apr 20, 2025

    Sunday, 07:00 PM

  • Apr 22, 2025

    Tuesday, 06:00 PM

  • Apr 23, 2025

    Wednesday, 07:30 PM

  • Apr 24, 2025

    Thursday, 07:30 PM

  • Apr 25, 2025

    Friday, 08:00 PM

  • Apr 26, 2025

    Saturday, 03:00 PM

  • Apr 26, 2025

    Saturday, 08:00 PM

  • Apr 27, 2025

    Sunday, 02:00 PM

  • Apr 29, 2025

    Tuesday, 07:30 PM

  • Apr 30, 2025

    Wednesday, 07:30 PM

  • May 01, 2025

    Thursday, 07:30 PM

  • May 02, 2025

    Friday, 08:00 PM

  • May 03, 2025

    Saturday, 03:00 PM

  • May 03, 2025

    Saturday, 08:00 PM

  • May 04, 2025

    Sunday, 02:00 PM

  • May 04, 2025

    Sunday, 07:00 PM

  • May 06, 2025

    Tuesday, 07:30 PM

  • May 07, 2025

    Wednesday, 02:00 PM

  • May 07, 2025

    Wednesday, 07:30 PM

  • May 08, 2025

    Thursday, 07:30 PM

  • May 09, 2025

    Friday, 08:00 PM

  • May 10, 2025

    Saturday, 03:00 PM

  • May 10, 2025

    Saturday, 08:00 PM

  • May 11, 2025

    Sunday, 02:00 PM

Who's Who

MEET THE TEAM

Derek Garza

(he/him)

Art

Bio

Kalani Queypo

Brewster

Bio

Tanis Parenteau

(she/her)

Connie

Bio

DeLanna Studi

(she/her)

Karen

Bio

Jake Waid

(he/him)

Gary

Bio

Vickie Ramirez

(she/her)

Playwright

Randy Reinholz

(he/him)

Director

Troy Hourie

(he/him)

Scenic Design

Asa Benally

Costume Design

Emma Deane

(she/her)

Lighting Design

Ed Littlefield/ Shaaḵindustóow

(he/him)

Sound Design

Courtney Elkin Mohler

(she/her)

Dramaturg

Ansley Jemison

Cultural Consultant

Kevin Gregory Dwyer

(he/him)

Production Stage Manager

Julia Bregy

(she/her)

Assistant Stage Manager

Joseph Biagini

(he/him)

Production Manager

Thalia Schramm

(she/her)

General Manager

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Events for In-Depth Exploration

GEVA INSIGHTS

Geva Insights is a series of post-performance conversations with thought leaders, experts, and members of the community who contextualize or provoke more in doting consideration or a play’s themes presented in Geva’s 24/25 season, it was conceived of as a unique opportunity to strengthen our connectivity to new and existing communities in our region.

Geva Insights Events

MONDAYS AT GEVA

The stages are dark on Monday evenings at Geva, so the art and action shift to the lobby and café where brilliant local visual artists, performers, musicians, and speakers broaden our consideration of the onstage productions. Geva Theatre invites the community to join us for a free series of art openings and to party for a couple of hours each month!

Mondays at Geva Events

Video Prologue

Know Before You Go

In-Person Prologue Dates

Lobby Playlist

Jam Out to Your Favorites

Community Collaborators

Geva Theatre, in partnership with Friends of Ganondagan and Native Voices, is thrilled to share the work of local Indigenous artists both in our lobby turned gallery and as part of the design for this production of Pure Native. We will be celebrating all their work at Mondays at Geva on Monday, April 28 from 6-8pm right in Geva’s lobby. It is a free event and all are welcome to attend!

Tsioianiio Ruby Galban
No Tricks, Just Mean (2025, oil on canvas) - Tsioianiio Ruby Galban.1
Killing Her in the Sweetgrass (2023, oil on canvas) - Tsioianiio Ruby Galban.1

Tsioianiio Ruby Galban
(St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, she/her)

Biography
Tsioianiio Galban is a St. Regis Mohawk tribal member living in Rochester, New York. Galban is a contemporary painter who studied at Pratt Institute in Utica, New York, and Brooklyn, New York and graduated cum laude in 2024. Her practice is centered around storytelling and self-investigation through dramatic, high-impact compositions.

Artist Statement
Tsioianiio Galban is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk tribe in Akwesasne, N.Y. Her work is an exposition of the violence, struggle, peace, and war within one person. The paint is an expulsion of that negativity which builds inside someone when one is not listened to, ignored, not seen, and at the same time ridiculed, embarrassed, tokenized, and glorified. Her paintings are the act of facing the ugliness of your world and finding the tenderness within.  She hopes a viewer might find peace after the reckoning.

Lauren Jimerson

Lauren Jimerson Headshot.1
My Guides - Lauren Jimerson.1
Night Swimming - Lauren Jimerson.1

Lauren Jimerson
(Seneca, she/her)

Biography
Lauren Jimerson is a Hodinöhšyo:ni:h artist who lives and works in her ancestral territory, Rochester, NY. She is a trained art therapist, certified life coach and trauma researcher who enjoys art shows, live music and trying out vegan restaurants.

Artist Statement
Her work largely consists of, but is not limited to, portrait paintings and digital narratives in video format. Lauren is often taken aback by the human condition as it is a complex, wondrous and nuanced experience. Her work explores topics such as human emotion, mental health, tragedy, trauma and her Indigenous identity while employing colorful media. Working in this manner allows her to share on a personal level that is both visually alluring and creates a vulnerable connection with her audience. She creates her pieces by choosing a medium that matches her vision of each individual piece. Lauren utilizes traditional mediums such as drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture, and non-traditional mediums such as digital drawing, digital painting, video and audio. Lauren is drawn to creating as it is a non-judgmental space where she can exist authentically and share her truths.

Find out more about Lauren Jimerson’s work by visiting laurenamberart.com

Brennen Johns
They Sustain Us - Brennen Johns.1
Traditional Cooking Pot - Brennen Johns.1

Brennen Johns
(Onöndowa’ga:’, Genyahdë:h)

Biography
Gagwe:goh sgë:nö’, I am Brennen Johns. Turtle clan and a member of the Seneca nation. I am a learner of the Seneca Language and work out of the “Sully” Huff Heritage Center located on the Cattaraugus Territory. I still currently reside on the Cattaraugus Territory and have been doing pottery since 2021. Under the guidance of my mentor Pete Jones, I am honing skills in both traditional hand-built pottery and wheel-thrown pottery. With my pottery I am acknowledging what has been passed down to me from the time I have spent learning our language and culture. Expressing the ideas of our traditions, perseverance and the things we may find beauty and solace in.

Artist Statement
Clay was an integral part of Seneca culture before European contact, it was one of the deciding factors when it came to looking for new village sites. There were societies in the community where making cook pots and tobacco pipes was their sole duty for the village. Much beauty was found in the simplicity of what our ancestors did making cook pots, tobacco pipes and sculptures. I work with clay today to honor what has been taught to me and to honor those ancestors who kept this medium alive for so long.

Faye Lone
Faye Lone Headshot.1
Fire On A Slant - Faye Lone.1
Constructed Indian Best - Faye Lone.1

Faye Lone
(Tonawanda Seneca, she/her)

Biography
Tonawanda Seneca, Hawk Clan. Resides on Tonawanda Seneca Territory via New York State. Six children, nineteen grandchildren. Doctorate in Education, Curriculum Development, Elementary Science, Adult Education.Has done presentations on Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) culture for over forty years to schools and organizations. Former employment at tribal government offices, Buffalo Native Non-profit, City of Rochester K-12 Native education program, and the U.S. Department of Education, Indian Education Office. Award-winning fiber artist with works in several museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, New York State Art Museum and Eiteljorg Museum. Business woman and fashion designer, DBA Faye Lone Designs and Longhaus Of Lone, making handmade apparel, home goods and art with her two daughters, Shquanebin and Naquaqua. Landmark Worldwide, currently assisting as Introduction Leader, former classroom leader for the Introduction Leader Program, former apprentice in the Seminar Leader Program. Lifelong graduate committed to making a difference.

Artist Statement
Authenticity and knowledge are key elements of my work. I use my imagery to tell stories, to make a statement, not always subtle. My fabric art is an opportunity to teach about our culture, to show true depictions. I am known for weaving ribbons, vibrant colors and elaborate stitching in my pieces. Having my works in museums is such a thrill: my works are in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, The Eitlejorg, the New York State Museum, the Seneca Nation of Indians Museum and the Pequot Museum. MoMA took one of my works for over two years for an exhibit. I enjoy making original fashion items also. My distinctive woven ribbonwork embellishes custom coats, dress shirts and dresses. Two of my daughters, Shquanebin and Naquaqua, now work with me and are established designers in their own right. We make over 50 products, both clothing and home goods for the whole family. We created a single company, Longhaus Of Lone, to take our fashion designs to the world. We are thankful for this creative outlet and hope everyone enjoys are works and much as we enjoy making them.

Find our more about Faye Lone’s work by visiting www.longhausoflone.com 

Tami Watt
Tami Watt Headshot.1
Tami Watt - #1.1
Tami Watt - #2.1

Tami Watt
(Seneca, she/her)

Biography
As a Seneca woman, mother of four from Ohi:yo’, I produce art that represents who I am, how I see my community and injustices we face as Indigenous Nations and individuals. My landscape, culture, traditional beliefs, and fellow community members inspire my creativity. I have had photography work displayed in the Seneca – Iroquois National Museum, the National Museum of the America Indian – Smithsonian, National Museum of the American Indian education guide, Seneca Resorts and Casinos and the Salamanca City Central School District. I have graphic artwork displayed on billboards, t-shirts and ads throughout Seneca Nation territories and with Every Child Matters exhibit titled “Hënödeyësdahgwa’geh wa’öki’jö’ ögwahsä’s. Onëh I:’ jögwadögwea:je’. We Were at the School. We Were There. We Remember.” Hodinöshö:ni’ art is my passion, and I also bead and sew. Products with my art can be found on my website tamiwattdesigns.com, Seneca-Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca, Indigenous Attractions in Niagara Falls, NY and yearly at the New York State Fair’s Indian Village.

Artist Statement
My signature style is to infuse Hodinöshö:ni’ beadwork patterns into my graphic art pieces.  I want to make my art accessible. I like to make custom clothing, shoes, stickers, scarves and other items to educate and represent authentic Indigenous designs because representation matters. 

Find out more about Tami Watt’s work by visiting https://tamiwatt.myportfolio.com/artist-bio and https://tamiwattdesigns.com/

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Sunday, Noon – 7:00pm

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Derek Garza Headshot

Derek Garza

DEREK GARZA (Art) (he/him) is a Native American (Wichita/Comanche) /Latino DC-based actor. Recent theater credits include The Other Children of the Sun at The Kennedy Center, Midsummer Night’s Dream at ISF, Nancy at Mosaic Theater, Something Moving at Ford’s Theatre, People, Places & Things at Studio Theater, The Swindlers and Our Town at Baltimore Center Stage, Between Two Knees at PAC-NYC, and Mother Road at Arena Stage. Other theaters include OSF, Seattle Rep, McCarter Theater, Yale Rep, Native Earth, A.R.T., TimeLine Theatre, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatist, Video Cabaret and Steppenwolf to name a few. Derek can also be seen in TV/Films like ABC’s Betrayal; NBC’s Chicago Fire, Jimortal (Pilot), PowerBook II: Ghost Untold Valor, and Canal Street. derekgarza.com

Kalani Queypo Headshot

Kalani Queypo

KALANI QUEYPO (Brewster) Kalani is an award-winning screenwriter and is currently developing his episodic comedy, When You Miss Aloha, as well as his feature length drama, Stored and Safe, and a brand-new musical, The Mainlanders, all showcasing his birthplace and culture as the backdrop in his character driven projects. For his musical, Missing Peace, Kalani is the recipient of the 2019 Native Voices Playwrights Retreat, 2020 Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, 2021 & 2022 Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, 2021 NAMT Festival of New Plays, and the 2022 Rhinebeck Writers Retreat Triple R. Kalani can be seen in the Oscar-nominated, Terrence Malick film, The New World, Steven Spielberg’s Emmy winning Into the West and Slow West (Sundance GRAND JURY PRIZE). Television credits include three seasons on Jamestown, Fear the Walking Dead, Mad Men, Hawaii Five-0, Nurse Jackie, Saints & Strangers, and Trickster.

Tanis Parenteau Headshot

Tanis Parenteau

TANIS PARENTEAU (Connie) (she/her) is an actor/producer and member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. TV: Billions, FBI: Most Wanted, Gossip Girl, Designated Survivor, House of Cards, Tribal. Film: ReEntry, Sweet Summer Pow Wow, Rehab. NYC: The Public Theater, Signature Theater, 59E59 Theaters. Regional: Oregon Shakespeare Festival. As a producer, her films and series have been broadcast on ARTÉ, APTN lumi, and soon to be PBS. She was funded by Vision Maker Media for their Short Film Fellowship and she is currently developing multiple features and series. Tanis is on the SAG-AFTRA National Native Americans Committee and is a casting associate at tbd casting co in NYC. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from The New School for Drama. tanisparenteau.com.

DeLanna Studi Headshot

DeLanna Studi

DELANNA STUDI (Karen) (Cherokee Nation)  (she/her) Theater credits: the First National Broadway Tour of Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play August: Osage County, Off-Broadway’s Gloria: A Life, Informed Consent, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Indiana Repertory Theater, and Geva. Her first play, And So We Walked: Along the Trail of Tears, retells her journey retracing her family’s footsteps along the Trail of Tears with her father. Its Off-Broadway debut at Minetta Lane was recorded for Audible. Film/Television credits: the Peabody Award-winning Edge of America, Dreamkeeper, Goliath, Shameless, General Hospital, Reservation Dogs, and Disney’s The Roof. She is the Artistic Director of Native Voices. DeLanna is a 2022 United States Artists Fellow, an Advance Gender Equality in the Arts Legacy Playwright Grant Recipient, and a Playwright in Residence at Geva Theatre.

Jake Waid Headshot

Jake Waid

JAKE WAID (Gary) (he/him) is pleased to be making his Geva Theatre debut in Pure Native. Recent roles: Torvald in A Doll’s House Part 2 at Theater Alaska, John in Where the Summit Meets the Stars at Perseverance Theatre, Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare and Company. Other theatres: Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Pillsbury House, Mixed Blood, History Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Book-It Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Kennedy Center, Native Voices at the Autry, The Playwright’s Realm. Film: Cortez, Feels Good. He trained at Cornish College and Freehold Theatre Lab/Studio.