Native American Storytelling with Abel Silvas
12:30 in the Pavilion Terrace
Join acclaimed performing artist and ninth generation Native American/Latino Abel Silvas for educational and entertaining Native American Storytelling.
A historian, mime, actor, comedian and storyteller, Mr. Silvas utilizes his talents in his unique one-man show known as Running Grunion, whose character is a California Native American storyteller known for his funny verbal antics, miming routines, and interactive audience participation.
Mr. Silvas has studied pantomime for ten years with Marcel Marceau School of Mime to enhance his storytelling abilities. His stories reveal what life was like for his family during different eras in California history: Pre-Contact, Spanish/Mission, Mexican/Rancho and American/Reservation periods. This presentation shows how California Indians adapted through these periods and continue to be a part of today’s society.
Abel Silvas is a Fullbright-Hays Scholar who has traveled to India, Mexico, Chile, and throughout the United States teaching about Native American History. He was chosen as a finalist for the Four Directions/NBC Native American Comedian Talent Search in New York City for his portrayal of this witty and comedic Running Grunion character.
