Turtle Island

Step into a world of story, sky and spectacle with Turtle Island – with free outdoor performances for all ages at 2:00 and 4:00 PM.

This stunning new work brings the Haudenosaunee Creation Story to life through a giant inflatable puppet, traditional dance and live performance.

Created by internationally renowned French company Plasticiens Volants and guided by artist, historian and educator, G. Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan), Turtle Island features choreography by Skywoman Iroquois Dance Theater. Come witness the birth of the world atop the turtle’s back — a story of resilience, connection and care for the Earth that speaks across generations and cultures.

Performances will be held at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

This event is produced by Unicycle Productions and Plasticiens Volants, with support from Villa Albertine, Albertine Foundation, French Institute (Institut Français), Département du Tarn, and Région Occitanie, Thomas Donahower and presenting partners: The Friends of Ganondagan, Urban Stages (NYC).

About the Artists

G. Peter Jemison, Heron Clan from the Cattaraugus Territory, Seneca Nation, is a multimedia artist and recently retired site manager of Ganondagan, a New York State Historic Site in Victor, New York. Mr. Jemison is very active politically as an advocate for Native American rights. He was chairman of the Haudenosaunee Standing Committee on Burial Rules and Regulations on burial rules and regulations, fighting for the return of sacred objects to native peoples mandated by the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Mr. Jemison was one of the founders of the Museum of the American Indian in New York City. His book, the Treaty of Canandaigua 1794 has been favorably received as an important contribution to history.

Les Plasticiens Volants, established in 1978, is a street theater company that practices a unique technique of creating and operating giant hand-made inflatable puppetry. Their productions merge street theatre, visual arts, digital projections, sound effects, and nature to create an awe-inspiring story.

William Crouse Sr. is a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians of the Hawk clan. He is a faithkeeper, singer, and speaker of the Coldspring Longhouse. As group leader, singer, lecturer and dancer of the Allegany River Indian Dancers, Bill has traveled all over the US and Canada. He has performed in Rome, Italy and Würzburg, Germany. Bill is the founder of the Skywoman Iroquois Dance Theater.