Introducing KaniniFest:
Universal Oneness
A One-Act Play and Cultural Festival that occurred Oct.11th-13th!
The Momentary hosted the first-ever KaniniFest. A groundbreaking event that celebrated the power of storytelling and the unity of humanity. The word Kanini, derived from the Indigenous Australian word “Kanyini,” which means ONENESS. Kanyini is best expressed in English as the combination of the two words ‘responsibility’ and ‘love’, but it is actually a relationship; it is an enormous caring with no limit - it has no timeframe: it is eternal. The concept of Kanyini and its four principle’s of Indigenous life mirror the principles of our festival:
-Creation
-Spirit, Soul, and Psyche
-Family and Kinship
-Land, Home, Mother
KaniniFest included 5 new works theatrical plays, youth writing workshops, African drum
and dance workshops, music therapy workshop; Afro Beat Reggae party, activities for the kids, an art auction to raise money for the KaniniFest Arts & Culture scholarship, and more. Moja Productions has connected with the Osage and Cherokee Nation, and as a result, Cherokee, Quapaw, & Osage artists were present at the festival to perform their people’s creation story! Candice Byrd is the indigenous playwright for the WahZhaZhe Puppet Theatre and her grandmother’s family is from the land that Crystal Bridges and the Momentary reside on.
YEAR ONE IMPACT:
The inaugural KaniniFest demonstrated the power of diverse storytelling and community building:
- Welcomed over 1,500 attendees across three days, engaging participants from ages 7 to 80.
- Provided employment to 10 local arts organizations, 12 actors, 4 directors, 7 crew members, Indigenous groups (Osage and Cherokee Nations), and local stagehands.
- Partnered with esteemed organizations, including Walmart, Walton Family Foundation, TheatreSquared, The Momentary, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Mount Sequoyah.
- Celebrated voices from Osage, Quapaw, Cherokee, African American, Latinx, Marshallese and Pacific Islander, Chinese, South Asian (Indian), and Congolese communities.
Created By Actors and Artists,
Christopher Alexander Chukwueke and Tenisi Davis
Under the banner of Moja Productions, the festival is specifically designed for BIPOC playwrights from all over the nation. KaniniFest aims to provide a world-class platform for undiscovered, underserved, or up-and-coming BIPOC playwrights. “KaniniFest is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to celebrate the vibrant voices of BIPOC playwrights and bring their stories to the forefront,” said Christopher Alexander Chukwueke, co-creator of KaniniFest. “It is an invitation to embrace diversity and foster a sense of unity within our communities.”
Inspired by the thought-provoking Crystal Bridges exhibition, We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy, KaniniFest’s inaugural theme is “We the People!” The theme serves as a powerful platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of all America’s children. KaniniFest promises a transformative experience for all attendees, awakening their consciousness and fostering unity through unfiltered storytelling of BIPOC experiences. “We believe in the power of storytelling to bridge gaps, challenge perceptions, and inspire change. KaniniFest is an opportunity to showcase the rich tapestry of BIPOC narratives and create a lasting impact
on our society,” said Tenisi Davis, co-creator of KaniniFest. The festival showcases five BIPOC playwrights from across the United States and their one-act plays. All directors and actors are from the Northwest Arkansas region. KaniniFest has provided work opportunities to the talented actors in the community and assists in the opening of new doors for future endeavors.
The festival has also partnered with local organizations, like TheatreSquared, INTERFORM, The Medium, and the University of Arkansas with special guests Osage Nation and Cherokee Nation Artists.
KaniniFest is dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC playwrights, providing them with a platform to share their stories with the world. According to "The Count" by the Dramatist Guild of America, only 15.1% of published and working playwrights in America are people of color. The festival's primary goal is to address the under-representation of BIPOC playwrights in the American theater landscape, offering them the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Centered around the theme "We the People!," the festival seeks to explore and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of America's children. By fostering unfiltered storytelling, KaniniFest aims to bridge cultural gaps, challenge societal perceptions, and inspire unity through the power of narrative. This transformative event is not just a celebration of diversity, but a catalyst for change, ensuring that the rich tapestry of BIPOC narratives is woven into the fabric of American theater.
Moja Productions goal and mission is to curate events and programs that empower artists and foster cultural bridges within communities. Recognizing the ambitious yet vital nature of their goals, Chris and Tenisi established Moja Productions to provide a world-class platform specifically for undiscovered, underserved, or emerging playwrights. Moja Productions aims to encouraging BIPOC individuals to amplify their narratives and engage in collaborative efforts with fellow artists.
