Theatre examines life ‘According to Coyote’

The trickster spirit shows up in stories from every culture in the world, according to David Furumoto, the assistant professor of theatre and drama who is directing “According to Coyote.”

“Many of the stories involving Coyote try to explain how certain things in the world were created — great canyons and other parts of the landscape around us,” Furumoto says.

However, Coyote has many other things to show us all.

“When Coyote does foolish things it is a lesson to us on how to live our lives. He speaks to all of us, animals as well as people, that share our planet.”

“According to Coyote” is based on several American Indian stories. Originally conceived by playwright and actor John Kauffman as a one-man show, the anthology incorporates a number of Native American traditions including dance, music and performance.

“I think Coyote represents eternal elements in all of us,” Furumoto says. “He speaks to us about how important it is to hold on to our culture and our stories.”

“According to Coyote” is this year’s Theatre for Young Audiences presentation, Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26 and April 1 and 2 at 1 and 4 p.m. in Vilas Hall’s Gilbert Hemsley Theatre.

Tickets, $12 general/$7 children, are available through the Vilas Hall Box Office, 262-1500.