Almost a century has passed since the historic Dunes Pageant of 1917 — a performance that amplified the cry for dunes preservation all across the country. A tribute to that pageant will be staged this weekend at West Beach in Gary, including a dramatic presentation written specifically for the event.
Running from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the Dunes Blowout 2016 combines the talents of such diverse groups as the Indiana Ballet Theatre and South Shore Dance Alliance, students from Pine Elementary Magnet School for the Arts and Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts Academy, local singing legend Patti Shaffner, and the Duneland Plein Air Painters. No Exit Performance of Indianapolis will guide audience members through the trails with ecology-based adaptations of familiar fairy tales.
Sacred Sands Reader’s Theater also will be presented twice each day, at both 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Written by Long Beach resident David Hoppe, the play is based on the seminal book about the region — “Sacred Sands” by J. Ronald Engel. John Green, of Chicago, chair of Columbia College’s theatre department, is directing the performance.
Hoppe, a journalist, editor and playwright with several professionally-produced plays to his credit, says he was introduced to the Dunes as a child.
“It remains one of the most extraordinarily beautiful landscapes I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “As time has passed and I’ve learned more, I have come to understand the place’s history and how complicated that is. Someone once said the Dunes reflect our planet on a microcosmic scale; all the issues that beset the planet are in play here.”
When the opportunity came up to participate in the Dunes Blowout, Hoppe said he jumped at the chance to write something, using Engel’s book as his source material. His play combines poetry, documentary evidence, and dramatic dialogue between the ghosts of two of the major players in the preservation of the Dunes, Paul Douglas and Charlie Halleck, to create a performance piece for voices.
“I think it evokes the ways people have and continue to experience the Dunes. I hope it strikes a chord in people, makes them curious and proud, and most of all, makes them care about preserving and sharing this remarkable piece of the planet,” he said.
Hoppe said the process of rehearsing “Sacred Sands” has been inspiring and exemplifies the true strengths of community creativity.
“Our ensemble has been terrific and the spirit we’re developing together has made this a great experience. It’s a testament to the talent in Northwest Indiana,” Hoppe said.
Performer Felecia Clark-Viou, of Michigan City, has long wanted to be part of a readers’ play.
“I hope everyone understands the beauty and juxtaposition of this region,” she said. “Many of us that grew up here take so much for granted. Hopefully everyone will look at our region with fresh eyes.”
Maggie Reister, of Valparaiso, says she is passionate about environmental justice and that she did not know much about the history of the Dunes before joining the cast of the play.
“I truly enjoy a participatory theater experience, creating together, mixing voices, music, poetry, prose to convey a message and an experience,” she said.
Performer Doug Robinson, of Michigan City, says he grew up a “dune rat” in Lakeside, Michigan, close to Carl Sandburg’s home.
“I feel a strong spiritual connection to “Sacred Sands,” so I felt I should be a part of this story,” he said. “I hope listeners appreciate the progress (of the dunes preservation), understand what a long struggle it has been, and most important of all, get involved.”
LaPorte resident Sandy Gleim, said she loves being part of intriguing, once-in-a-lifetime performances. She considers it an honor to help celebrate the legacy of the Dunes.
“As we present this lovely, lyrical piece, I’m struck by the foresight and dedication of those who stood their ground — literally — to insure that generations could continue to enjoy this natural treasure. It reminds me that true heroes are not spectators, but activists,” she said.
Directing the ensemble of performers is Green, a native of England. He previously worked with Hoppe and his wife, Melli, on a number of shows at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, and wanted to work with them again. He also liked the topic of the piece.
“I’ve explored the Dunes a little bit since moving here,” he said, “but knew nothing about its history,” he said, adding that Engel’s book was an informative place to start.
“This project has relevance today. It’s not just history; there’s still a battle going on,” he said. “It’s enjoyable dealing with something that’s highly relevant to this region.”
Green said he anticipates continuing to present the play at other venues throughout the region after the Dunes Blowout concludes.
“We don’t see it ending after the festival,” he said; “we see it being developed even more.”
Donna Rowland is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Dunes Blowout 2016: A Festival of Performance and Ecology
Noon to 7 p.m Saturday and Sunday
West Beach
376 North County Line Road, Gary
Cost: Free, food trucks will be available
For more information:
