RED BIRD DANCED

Jennifer Bobiwash and Darrell Dennis deliver powerful performances as Ariel and Tomah, Native American teenagers who are living in an urban intertribal housing project. A musical introduction sets an inspiring and reflective tone for this moving dual narrative. Bobiwash captures Ariel's love of ballet, which diminished after the disappearance of her Auntie Bineshiinh. Bobiwash also depicts Ariel's frustrated attempts to understand and address community issues. Dennis captures the delicate balance between Tomah's insecurity about reading and his carefree facade. Bobiwash's heartfelt portrayal also showcases the reasons that dance is metaphorical freedom for both Ariel and Tomah. Compassionate narrations convey cultural identity, social issues, and coming-of-age themes that may inspire thoughtful conversations among teens and adults alike. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]