Next month, Perseverance Theatre will bring the world premiere of Where the Summit Meets the Stars to the stage — a play written by Frank Katasse — that pulses with Lingít music, dance and culture.
Katasse also directs the play, and on this Thursday’s Juneau Afternoon, he’ll talk about how he came up with the story – a surreal journey that untangles mysteries of the past. He’ll be joined by two of the leading performers, Erin Tripp and Jake Waid.
Also on this program:
- Highlights from the 2022 Sharing Our Knowledge Conference in Wrangell. How you can still watch the presentations online.
Rhonda McBride hosts Thursday’s program. You can catch Juneau Afternoon, Tuesday through Friday, live at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO Juneau 104.3. The rebroadcast airs at 7:00 p.m. on KTOO. You can also listen online at ktoo.org.
For more information about Juneau Afternoon or to schedule time on the show, email juneauafternoon@ktoo.org. Please schedule early. The show is often booked one to two weeks in advance.
Part 1: Where the Summit Meets the Stars breaks new ground for Alaska Native theatre.
Guests: Frank Henry Katasse, Writer and director. Actors: Jake Waid and Erin Tripp
Frank Katasse, who wrote Where the Summit Meets the Stars, explains all the moving parts in his play — how it showcases the talents of Lingít actors. musicians and dancers. In all his years of theatre, Katasse says bringing this play to the stage is probably one of the most important things he’s done.
One of the unique features of this drama is the use of soundscapes to journey through space and time. They’re the creation of Ed Littlefield, a jazz artist from Sitka, known for incorporating Lingít language and music into his work.
For Jake Waid and Erin Tripp, who play the leading roles, it’s a chance to explore characters they can relate to, as they wrestle with trauma from the past to find the strength within.
Part 2: Sharing Our Knowledge Conference: How to watch the presentations online.
Guests: Conference organizers: Joaqlin Estus, Jim LaBelle and Peter Metcalfe. 
The name for this biennial gathering of Lingít, Haida and Tsimshian tribes and clans is simply, “Sharing Our Knowledge.”
Since 1993, it’s lived up to its name by sharing videos and other materials from the presentations. During the conference in Wrangell this September, more than 40 videos were produced and are available online at no cost.
Among the highlights: A full day of presentations on the Alaska Native boarding school experience, led by Jim LaBelle, a boarding school survivor.