MULTIMEDIA THEATER PERFORMANCE & FILM

FILM: Rocks Karma Arrows

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. 

The film is shared in three parts. Part one focuses on the creation of the city of Boulder and the city’s relationship to the Native American tribes who call this land home. Part two reflects on the dynamics of race and class in Boulder history from 1864-1944. Part three is a short reflection from historians and community leaders about the importance of learning this history of racial and class violence in our community and country.

“‘Rocks Karma Arrows’ is packed with as much information as a semester of lectures, but it’s never a drag. It employs a diverse set of performance styles and techniques, but it’s highly accessible and never pretentious. It’s a look in the mirror — often an uncomfortable one — but it’s not heavy-handed, nor does it peddle guilt or sell shame. It covers enough ground to leave you breathless, yet gives you room to breathe and think and, finally, to respond.”

— MARK COLLINS, BOULDER DAILY CAMERA

Motus Theater invites you to collaborate with us to host a screening of Rocks Karma Arrows at your school, church or community space, and follow it with a community conversation.

Rocks Karma Arrows is a remarkable lesson that you can't undo the past, but if you recognize it, if you learn about it and learn from it, then you can move forward in the future more honorably.

— Steven Moore, Attorney, Native Americans Rights Fund