Dell’ Arte International conceived The Dentalium Project in 2001, when the Blue Lake Rancheria—a sovereign native nation that abuts the small northern California town of Blue Lake—built a casino to secure its financial future. Although the Rancheria pledged significant support to the surrounding community, many Blue Lake residents took a dim view of the proposed casino, fearing an increase in traffic, crime, and noise—and, most critically, a loss of power and control over their own destiny. Dell’ Arte believed that, through its distinct aesthetic and by giving people from both communities a chance to talk with one another about their fears and visions for the future of their place, The Dentalium Project could begin to build bridges toward a healthier, whole community. The project consisted of interviews with a wide variety of residents, five community dialogues, and a live radio play set in the future on the 10th Anniversary of the casino’s opening that was inspired by the themes which emerged from the interviews and dialogues. In addition, dialogue was further stimulated by a documentary video capturing public perspectives interspersed with excerpts of the play was shown in the community.

This case study, written by Animating Democracy liaison Kathie DeNobriga, documents Dell’ Arte’s aesthetic considerations and processes, offering lessons about the capacity of a resident theatre to provoke community dialogue and create a space for the safe exploration of conflict. It examines issues of representation in the struggles of a primarily white theatre company to make art about issues involving Native Americans. The case study also illustrates Dell’ Arte’s capacity to make an ongoing impact on their community as a corollary of their long-term presence and their willingness to take risks.

Dell’ Arte International conceived The Dentalium Project in 2001, when the Blue Lake Rancheria—a sovereign native nation that abuts the small northern California town of Blue Lake—built a casino to secure its financial future. Although the Rancheria pledged significant support to the surrounding community, many Blue Lake residents took a dim view of the proposed casino, fearing an increase in traffic, crime, and noise—and, most critically, a loss of power and control over their own destiny. Dell’ Arte believed that, through its distinct aesthetic and by giving people from both communities a chance to talk with one another about their fears and visions for the future of their place, The Dentalium Project could begin to build bridges toward a healthier, whole community. The project consisted of interviews with a wide variety of residents, five community dialogues, and a live radio play set in the future on the 10th Anniversary of the casino’s opening that was inspired by the themes which emerged from the interviews and dialogues. In addition, dialogue was further stimulated by a documentary video capturing public perspectives interspersed with excerpts of the play was shown in the community.

This case study, written by Animating Democracy liaison Kathie DeNobriga, documents Dell’ Arte’s aesthetic considerations and processes, offering lessons about the capacity of a resident theatre to provoke community dialogue and create a space for the safe exploration of conflict. It examines issues of representation in the struggles of a primarily white theatre company to make art about issues involving Native Americans. The case study also illustrates Dell’ Arte’s capacity to make an ongoing impact on their community as a corollary of their long-term presence and their willingness to take risks.