Clarion University Minority Student Services will host “The Iroquois Creation Story” by Skywoman Iroquois Dance Theater at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 in Gemmell MPR. The event is free and open to the public.
"The Iroquois Creation Story" is a 40-minute, one-act theatrical production featuring traditional Seneca song, dance and regalia. It tells the Iroquois myth of creation as an interpretative theater piece, sharing the creation story in a contemporary manner.
Skywoman, who lives in Sky World, becomes pregnant and descends to Earth through the Tree of Life. She gives birth to a daughter, who grows up and gives life to twins. The daughter dies in childbirth and becomes the Three Sisters – corn squash, and beans – while the twins grow up to become the opposing forces of good and evil. As one creates, the other destroys, and they get embroiled in conflict to which they find a resolution: balance. The twins return to the Sky World and leave instructions to the newly created humans on how to perform ceremonies to give thanks.