New Native Theater’s “The Bird Blind”

New Native Theatre (NNT) is presenting the world premier of “The Bird Blind” as the final show of their 2025-2026 season. The show wrapped up on May 10 at 825 Arts 825 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. An honest, gritty, humorous, and ultimately hopeful script, the show wrestles with domestic violence, addiction, and suicide, alongside the longing to heal and care for the next generation in the midst of trauma, past and present.

The family at the center of the story is portrayed by Susanna Lowndes and Mato Wayuhi as Ellen and Nak, along with the young and skillful River Lane, who plays 11-year-old Tim. The core trio is joined by Frank Katasse who plays Spruce, a troubled man who strikes up a redemptive mentorship with Tim, along with Ramon Villa as Jason, a potentially healthier romantic interest in Ellen’s life. “The Bird Blind” is directed by NNT’s artistic director and founder Rhiana Yazzie and written by Inupiaq singer and playwright Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler. The script draws extensively from the playwright’s experience hunting, fishing, and gathering during her childhood in Unalakleet, Alaska and later serving her community in varied public service roles.