Young Ana thinks she is too small for the super important job of picking the quenepas from the big, big tree for her abuelos. With the power of stories from her Puerto Rican Indigenous ancestors, and a little inspiration from nature, she is reminded that we can do anything we set our mind to— when we think BIG! GRANDE!
Coki is written by playwright Natasha Cosme Batista and produced by the Indigenous Cultures Institute in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin. The episodes will premiere on the following dates:
February 19, 2022
Episode 1: Coki, the story behind the story
This episode begins with an interview with playwright Natasha Cosme Batista speaking of her Puerto Rican family members, their history, and why she wrote this play. Natasha is joined by Mario A. Ramirez who speaks on Indigenous people and the importance of story, oral tradition and indigenous identity reclamation. Teenage actor Genevieve Schroeder-Arce then teaches the song from the play, including translations.
March 5, 2022
Episode 2: Coki, the play
In this episode, we see the play Coki, by Natasha Cosme Batista. Young Ana thinks she is too small for the super important job of picking the quenepas from the big, big tree for her abuelos. With the power of stories from her Puerto Rican Indigenous ancestors, and a little inspiration from nature, she is reminded that we can do anything we set our mind to— when we think BIG! GRANDE!
March 19, 2022
Episode 3: Coki, Reflecting on the story
This final episode includes focuses on three sections of activities led by University of Texas at Austin students, exploring three major themes in the play: size (have you ever felt small?); the importance of exploring your relationship to your ancestors and their history; and the importance of responsibility and what it really means. The facilitators pause for moments encouraging audience members to play along throughout.
As part of The National Theatre Foundation’s SML! season, these virtual series will premiere on Facebook and YouTube. All episodes will be available to watch on demand following their premieres!