About this performance

Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence

Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence incorporates dance, Hawaiian chant and percussion, original compositions for cello, and multimedia scenic design to examine ancestry, home, and belonging. Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence creates a comprehensive picture of the multiplicity of identities we all navigate, and invites the audience to reflect on their perception of Native people, their own identities, and their instinct. This work asks us each to consider who we are, to reflect on where we come from, and to wonder about ways of knowing that are both inherited and learned.

“The company and I are sincerely grateful to On the Boards for their deep support of Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence, and we’re thrilled that the Seattle community will be the first to see the fully realized work."

–Christopher K. Morgan

The research for Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence began by questioning the word native, an identity that has become politically charged, has limiting vagueness, and has long been a weapon of colonization. The work explores nature versus nurture, the origins of instinct, what aspects of our identities are shaped by our environment, and if our genes influence who we become. Looking to genetics inspired Christopher Morgan to incorporate a lei making technique whose twisting spirals are reminiscent of the double helix of DNA. The metaphor of lei as strands of our DNA informed the scenic design by Brenda Mallory, and how the work looks to weave together stories from varied identities as a way to build bridges that celebrate difference and respect unique individuality.

With live music by electric cellist Wytold and Hawaiian chanter/percussionist Patrick Makuakāne, projection design by Kelly Colburn, lighting by Peter Leibold, and costuming by Marques Hanalei Marzan, this work creates a comprehensive picture of the multiplicity of identities we all navigate and invites audiences to reflect on their perception of Native people, their own identities, and instinct. Joining long-time company dancers Tiffanie Carson, Abby Farina, and Deontay Gray are new company members Jamison Curcio and frequent collaborator Matthew Cumbie.

"All of the artistic collaborators behind the project have nurtured it to fruition in ways I never could have imagined when we started developing it in 2019. Throughout the past several years of global unrest, convening to continue the creative process was an anchor for all of us. In addition to the challenges brought by the pandemic, an increased commitment to enact racial and social justice forced us to re-evaluate how to safely and equitably work together. I hope audiences can feel the bonds that we have grown with one another in this extended process, and see some of their own stories reflected in ours."

–Christopher K. Morgan

Presenters/Sponsors

The presentation of Christopher K.Morgan & Artists was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Mellon Foundation. Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation & Development Fund Project co-commissioned by Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Dance Place, Pa’i Foundation and NPN. The Creation & Development Fund is supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency). For more information: www.npnweb.org

Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence received development support through creative residencies at the National Center for Choreography at the University of Akron, Bethany Arts Community, the Emerging Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) in Troy, New York and a Social Impact Residency at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Thanks to the following people whose creative input helped shape this work: Kyle Lang, Elsie Kaleihulukea Ryder, Ellie van Bever, Annie Choudhury, Christy Bolingbroke, Ashley Ferro-Murray, Leilehua Lanzilotti, Colleen Furukawa, Sarah Beth Oppenheim, Sarah Lewitus, Anthony Alterio, Shannon Braine.