Rocks Karma Arrows is a film of Motus Theater’s multimedia contemporary theater piece of the same name that explores Boulder history through the lens of race and class. Historical figures, like the great Chief Niwot (Nowoo3, pronounced “Na-waath”), come alive to tell the story of the early founding of Boulder and the massacre at Sand Creek. Interviews with local historians and Buddhist monks are woven with historical photographs and film into the drama. At times the photographic images completely take over 180° of the theatrical space so that actors are literally immersed in the history – interacting with the photos, struggling with the voices of the past, and trying to understand how those voices echo in the present. 

After the film, we’ll host a panel discussion with:

Brett Lee Shelton (Oceti Sakowin Oyate), an attorney and Oglala Lakota, has over 25 years of experience in Indian law, focusing on Indigenous Peacemaking, Sacred Places Protection, and Boarding School Healing with the Native American Rights Fund. He is also a published author, tribal court judge, and advocate for Indigenous health policy and peacemaking.

Alexis Miles, founding board member and former chair of Motus Theater, and actively involved in community service and social activism. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation, directs Workforce Readiness & Diversity for the Boulder Area HR Association, and was Boulder’s first Black female playback actor.

Art Figel is the Director of Student IT Services at CU System. He was the Board Vice­-Chair of the Boulder County Community Action Programs and he also served on the Board of the Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance, which he co­-founded in 1994. He served  on the City of Boulder Human Relations Commission between April 2017 and March 2022, including as Chair.

Kirsten Wilson, is the writer and director of Rocks Karma Arrows. She is also Artistic Director and founder of Motus Theater, and is a narrative artist and award-winning creator known for her work in autobiographical monologues that explore race, class, and social justice. Since 2013, she has collaborated with undocumented and formerly incarcerated individuals to share their stories, fostering empathy and civic engagement through performances recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and featured in major media outlets.