Haŋhépi Akenuŋpa Woéčhetu
Twelfth Night: The Second Night of Healing
A Production of
Standing Elk Collective
The Vision
Haŋhépi Akenuŋpa Woéčhetu is a groundbreaking, professional Lakota-led adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Re-imagined on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the winter of 1890, immediately following a traumatic event, this production transforms a classic comedy into a profound exploration of sovereignty, survival, and cellular memory. By blending Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter with Lakota linguistics and historical legal texts (the Dawes Act), we are creating a new theatrical language that speaks directly to the intergenerational trauma—and resilience—of the Oceti Sakowiŋ people.
The Story
In the aftermath of the massacre, Thośa (Viola)—a Two-Spirit survivor—is separated from her twin brother Okinihaŋ (Sebastian). To survive in a world now controlled by the BIA Agent Daniel Royer (Orsino), the Jesuit priest Father Francis Craft (Malvolio) and Carlisle Superintendent Richard Pratt (Sir Andrew), Thośa disguises herself.
Through her journey, the play deconstructs the colonial forces of Government, Religion, and Education that sought to erase Indigenous identity and control the land, Uŋći Maka. The narrative culminates not in a traditional marriage, but in a powerful reclamation of self and land—an act of Woéčhetu (making things right/healing).
Artistic Elements
The Aesthetic: "Native Steampunk."
A visual collision of 1890s Victorian industrial structure and the organic, flowing designs of the Lakota Plains.
Feature:
Custom beadwork by Lakota artisans, including the signature "Standing Elk" Medallion and Star Quilt to be raffled off.
The Music:
An original score by Lakota composer Trey Trujillo, blending orchestral cinema with traditional soundscapes, Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.
The Language:
A script that moves fluidly between Shakespearean English and Lakota, developed with language consultant Dalaney Apple.
Production Model: The 2026 Grassroots Tour
Moving beyond a single-venue residency, Standing Elk Collective is building a Statewide Tour to bring this story directly to the communities it represents.
Target Tour Stops (Summer 2026)
Rapid City (Central Hub):
In discussion with the Journey Museum for the "Reframed Summer Series,” and the Dahl Arts Center for “First Look” scenes.
Custer (Southern Hills):
In discussion with the Black Hills Playhouse.
Spearfish (Northern Hills Anchor):
In discussion with the Matthews Opera House.
Pine Ridge (Community Home):
TBD
Vermillion/Sioux Falls:
In discussion with the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival.
Community Engagement
This is more than a play:
It is a movement for cultural revitalization.
"First Look" Readings (Spring 2026):
Public staged readings to generate dialogue.
Workshops:
Masterclasses for Native youth in acting and playwriting. Grassroots fundraising with Sacred Storm Buffalo.
Theology & Theater:
Partnering with the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery for post-show panels on historical justice.
Current Momentum & Partners
Media:
Featured on the Front Page of Native Sun News Today (Nov. 2025) - Click Here to Read
Feature segment on NBC News Center One. (Jan. 2026)
Advocacy:
Partnerships with ACLU South Dakota, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, and South Dakota Democracy In Action
Support:
Endorsement offered by David Treuer (Author, The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee).
Contact
Jessica Adams
Producing Artistic Director | Standing Elk Collective
Email: adamsjessie309@gmail.com
Phone: 605-981-0358
PO Box: 1314, Rapid City, SD 57709