Your Cart UMS
Thursday, January 23, 2025 5:30 PM // Michigan Theater

Penny Stamps Speaker Series:
The 1491s

Free
Talks & Discussions
Elijah Benson
 

The 1491s are a dynamic Native American sketch comedy group known for their razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to storytelling.

Comprising a collective of Indigenous creators, including writers, performers, and filmmakers, The 1491s challenge stereotypes and celebrate Native culture through humor, satire, and an unflinching lens. Their work spans viral videos, stage performances, and contributions to acclaimed television projects, such as the groundbreaking series Reservation Dogs.

Rooted in their identities and histories, The 1491s use comedy as a tool for activism and cultural expression, engaging audiences with narratives that amplify Indigenous voices. Their performances often blend traditional storytelling with contemporary issues, fostering a greater understanding of Native experiences while sparking joy and laughter.

Their first video, a Twilight parody called New Moon Wolf Pack Auditions, went viral in 2009, as have many of their subsequent videos. The 1491s have traveled the country and the world sharing their satirical, stereotype-busting humor through live performances, panels, discussions, and appearances on major media outlets including The Daily Show on Comedy Central, Reservation Dogs on FX, and Dallas Goldtooth’s TikTok. They have also used their talents to address social and legislative issues, such as the full inclusion of Indigenous women in the Violence Against Women Act.

Four of the five 1491s members will be in conversation with Eric Ting, Chinese-American Obie award-winning director.

Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota/​Diné) is a writer, artist, actor, and Dakota language instructor, known for his roles in Reservation DogsRutherford Falls, and Ghosts.

Migizi Pensoneau (Ponca/​Ojibwe) is a writer, producer, and cultural consultant with credits on BarkskinsRutherford Falls, and Reservation Dogs.

Ryan RedCorn (Osage Nation) is a graphic artist, writer, and actor, contributing to Reservation Dogs as a writer and performer, and appearing in Barking Water.

Bobby Wilson (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota) is an artist and actor, with work on Rutherford FallsReservation Dogs, and Spirit Rangers.

In partnership with the Penny Stamps Speaker Series. This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.

Series presenting partners: Detroit PBSALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.

Free Event

Penny Stamps Speaker Series:
The 1491s

Michigan Theater

Free Event
Thursday, January 23, 2025 5:30 PM
Michigan Theater

Penny Stamps Speaker Series:
The 1491s

Free
Talks & Discussions
Free Event

The 1491s are a dynamic Native American sketch comedy group known for their razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to storytelling.

Comprising a collective of Indigenous creators, including writers, performers, and filmmakers, The 1491s challenge stereotypes and celebrate Native culture through humor, satire, and an unflinching lens. Their work spans viral videos, stage performances, and contributions to acclaimed television projects, such as the groundbreaking series Reservation Dogs.

Rooted in their identities and histories, The 1491s use comedy as a tool for activism and cultural expression, engaging audiences with narratives that amplify Indigenous voices. Their performances often blend traditional storytelling with contemporary issues, fostering a greater understanding of Native experiences while sparking joy and laughter.

Their first video, a Twilight parody called New Moon Wolf Pack Auditions, went viral in 2009, as have many of their subsequent videos. The 1491s have traveled the country and the world sharing their satirical, stereotype-busting humor through live performances, panels, discussions, and appearances on major media outlets including The Daily Show on Comedy Central, Reservation Dogs on FX, and Dallas Goldtooth’s TikTok. They have also used their talents to address social and legislative issues, such as the full inclusion of Indigenous women in the Violence Against Women Act.

Four of the five 1491s members will be in conversation with Eric Ting, Chinese-American Obie award-winning director.

Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota/​Diné) is a writer, artist, actor, and Dakota language instructor, known for his roles in Reservation DogsRutherford Falls, and Ghosts.

Migizi Pensoneau (Ponca/​Ojibwe) is a writer, producer, and cultural consultant with credits on BarkskinsRutherford Falls, and Reservation Dogs.

Ryan RedCorn (Osage Nation) is a graphic artist, writer, and actor, contributing to Reservation Dogs as a writer and performer, and appearing in Barking Water.

Bobby Wilson (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota) is an artist and actor, with work on Rutherford FallsReservation Dogs, and Spirit Rangers.

In partnership with the Penny Stamps Speaker Series. This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.

Series presenting partners: Detroit PBSALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.

Free Event

Penny Stamps Speaker Series:
The 1491s

Michigan Theater

CHOOSE A PERFORMANCE:

Free Event

Love great music, theater, and dance?

Love great music, theater, and dance?

Surely your inbox has room for one more email... Sign up for notifications on upcoming events and season updates.

Thanks! We'll keep you updated.