Much ado has been made lately about Oppenheimer and his (questionably) great feat as the “father of the atomic bomb,” while the stories of the people of New Mexico who continue to be affected by the Trinity explosions remain largely out of the public eye.
Multiple generations of New Mexican families who call themselves “Downwinders” bear, in their bodies, the consequences of Tularosa Basin nuclear activity. They have had to deal with genetic mutations, various cancers, and other physical, emotional and mental wounding as a result of the nuclear testing near their homes, while tirelessly petitioning the government for compensation and care. Yet our culture and our mainstream storytelling still seeks to deify and mythologize those who, in the name of progress and “keeping America safe,” have deeply harmed our planet, and in fact, risk the survival of humanity itself.
In this Princeton iteration of Tularosa: An American Dreamtime, 2022-24 Princeton Arts Fellow Kamara Thomas and her collaborators attempt to weave these underlooked Downwinders’ stories into an ongoing excavation and exploration into the threads of the American Story that congregate in the Tularosa region of New Mexico—many of them hidden, suppressed and underrepresented.
This iteration will present immersive storytelling environments in both the Hurley Gallery and CoLab, including sound, film, a labyrinth, projections and visual elements, and invitations for audience interaction.
The Princeton community and the public are invited to co-create and interact with Kamara & Band of Toughs in the workshops and open rehearsals leading up to theatrical activations/performances on Sunday & Monday, October 8 & 9, which will begin in the Forum and travel to various locations around the arts complex.
This project is supported by the MAP Fund.
Schedule of Events
Mon.-Tues., October 2-3 from 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Community storytelling and performance workshops in the CoLab (Open to public)
Explore and play with Kamara Thomas + Band of Toughs in these community workshops– no performance experience required! We will discuss ideas of “American-ness” and devise personal storytelling using our ancestries, as well as explore stories of New Mexico’s “Downwinders” and Oppenheimer’s time at Princeton to devise meaningful ritual and performance. Workshop participants may choose to perform in the theatrical activations on October 8 & 9.
Wed.-Thurs., Oct. 4-5 from 7:30 – 10:30 PM
Open rehearsals in the CoLab (Open to Princeton community)
Observe Kamara Thomas + Band of Toughs as they devise their upcoming performance. Observers may be asked to offer feedback.
Oct. 6-9 from 10 AM – 8 PM
Storywork environments in Hurley Gallery and CoLab (Open to public)
Stop in the gallery or CoLab space to browse materials and spaces used in the performance.
Sun.-Mon., Oct. 8-9 at 7:30 PM
Performance & Activation in the Forum (Open to public)
Beginning in the Forum, travel with the ensemble as they perform throughout the environments in/outside the Lewis Arts complex. Talkbacks follow both performances (around 8:30 p.m) with a closing reception on 10/9.
Tickets & Details
All events are free; no tickets or advance registration required. Review the schedule above to note which events are open to the public or to the University community only.
Directions
Get directions to the Lewis Arts complex including the CoLab (Forum level) or Hurley Gallery (mezzanine level).
Accessibility
Lewis Arts complex venues are wheelchair accessible. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations. Guests in need of access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.
