Crane, on Earth, in Sky

Crane: On Earth, In Sky is a breathtaking fusion of environmental theater, Native ritual, and puppetry that honors the parallel migrations of whooping cranes and Indigenous peoples across North America. Created by Heather Henson (IBEX Puppetry) and Ty Defoe (Oneida and Ojibwe Nations), and directed by Maija Garcia, this immersive, wordless spectacle transcends traditional Western theater forms, embracing Indigenous storytelling through movement, music, and ceremony.

Through stunning visuals—indoor kite flying, masterful puppetry, and evocative projections—audiences journey alongside the endangered cranes as they follow ancient waterways in search of survival. Along the way, the piece explores urgent ecological questions, the deep interconnection between people and the Earth, and the resilience of Native cultures in the face of colonization and climate change. It’s a soaring, poetic experience that leaves an imprint, calling us back to the rhythms of the land and the flight paths of its most sacred travelers.