HOW : Engagements with the "Hollywood Indian" : Call for Participation

[Natalie Ball]

HOW: Engagements with the "Hollywood Indian"
Co-presented by Trinity Square Video, A Space Gallery and
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Exhibition: Trinity Square Video Gallery - September 25 - October 25, 2008
A Space Gallery - October 17 - November 21, 2008
Reception and Curator's Talk - October 17, 2008, 5pm at TSV and 7pm at A Space

Curated by Ryan Rice

Artists:
Tommy Deer, Rosalie Favell, Terrance Houle,
Walter Kahero:ton Scott, Nadya Kwandibens,
Torry Mendoza, Sarah Sense, Greg Staats

As part of the 2008 festival, imagineNATIVE features an exciting group exhibition of contemporary aboriginal visual and media art entitled HOW: Engagements with the "Hollywood Indian." The exhibition, curated by Ryan Rice (Mohawk), is presented at two galleries - Trinity Square Video Gallery and A Space Gallery in the 401 Richmond building. The first stage of the exhibition - taking place at TSV with works by Greg Staats, Terrance Houle and Tommy Deer - is a Scotiabank Nuit Blanche independent Project open to the public on October 4 from 6:52 pm to sunrise.

This exhibition explores the legacy of the one-dimensional depictions of Native North Americans developed in film, art and literature, which have become accepted as authentic in the nation's consciousness, affecting historic truth and contributing to stereotypical notions of Indigenous peoples. In the exhibition, the artists either confront the simplistic misconceptions imposed upon an Indigenous collective consciousness, or expose the alluring influence and desire Hollywood has had on Indigenous lives and imagination.

CASTING NOTICE FOR FIRST NATIONS (Native American or Native) MEN AND WOMEN
Artist Terrance Houle's Casting Call is a community oriented interactive performance being filmed in Toronto as part of the exhibition HOW: Engagements with the "Hollywood Indian". The interactive performance involves local Aboriginal actors and community "auditioning" for roles in famous Hollywood westerns. Casting Call is a humorous reaction to the Hollywood practice of casting white actors in "Indian" roles while simultaneously Houle questions what constitutes an "Indian" role. Auditions will be conducted by the artist.

Open casting call for First Nations, Native American, Métis, Half-breed, Quarter, Indian Princesses and Princes, Powwow Dancers, Powwow Drummers, 1/8th's, Rez, City Indians, Aboriginals, Status, Non-Status, Red Indian people between 15 and 100, both male and female, Young, Middle-Aged and Elders. Acting experience a plus, but not necessary.

Must meet one of the following criteria:

Traditional, contemporary, bannock experience, Native war veterans, horse riding experience, an interest in bingo, war paint, Indian cars, regalia, black wigs are all assets but not necessary
Any size and shape will be acceptable. We are looking for fit, big, small, tall, hunky, and beautiful, ugly, etc.
Braided hair, long black or short will be acceptable
Love of nature, animals and outdoors is a must
Deep respect for Mother Earth
Must know the Four Directions
Owners of buckskin loin cloth, breach cloth and general hides a bonus
Fluent in Native language and English
We are looking for Stony, Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibway, Dene, Navajo, Haida, Salish, Sioux, Métis, Crow, Pawnee, Micmac, Mohawk, Seneca, Algonquin, Inuit, Cayuga, Oneida, etc. or anyone of the like.

Auditions will be for roles of Natives playing Non-Natives acting in Native roles. Book your spot now or come out for the open casting call!

Casting Dates and Location
Friday, October 17, 2008 from 10am - 3pm (Auditions by appointment, spectators welcome)
Saturday, October 18, 2008 from noon - 4pm (Open auditions, everyone welcome)

To schedule an appointment for Friday, October 17, 2008, please contact Aubrey Reeves at Trinity Square Video. [phone] or [e-mail]

Casting Call is a non-union interactive performance art project. Participation in the project is strictly volunteer.