St. Paul’s Amsterdam Bar and Hall will host the second annual Mni Sota Mystery Box on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. The all‑Indigenous cabaret, created by artist Silvestrey P’orantes, brings together drag performers, burlesque artists, poets, musicians and powwow dancers on one stage.
Celebrating Indigenous Creativity
“Sometimes we’re pigeonholed into trauma porn or that we’re just these ‘sad Indians,’” P’orantes said. “But we’re really funny too. We’re sexy and cool and hot and weird.” The event gives local Indigenous artists a platform to showcase the full range of their talents, free from narrow expectations.
P’orantes, whose work spans drag, theater and poetry, previously starred in Teatro del Pueblo’s production of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and appeared in the Minnesota short film “The Boom.” This year they are also developing two new plays—one about climate change and another about grief in queer relationships.
Featured Performers and Acts
The lineup includes Afro‑Indigenous soul singer Obsidian James, performing songs from his debut album “Impact,” as well as vocalists Charli Fool Bear and Laura Hugo, who will present tracks from Hugo’s new EP “Where We Go to Grieve.” Drag artists Aragidi, Alegria D’Cirque, Trevvy B and Cravin’ Catastrophe will deliver high‑energy performances, while burlesque is represented by Bibi Chiquita and Vivi Diamante.
Powwow dancing will be highlighted by Josie Hoffman, and the evening will feature spoken‑word sets from poet Wakaya Wells and rapper Isavela Lopez. Attendees can also explore an Indigenous vendor market and participate in a silent auction that benefits the Indigenous People’s Task Force.
Supporting Local Artists Across Genres
In addition to the Mystery Box, the weekend offers two other notable Indigenous productions. At the Fitzgerald Theater, Austin Ly’s “Lee Lue The Musical” recounts the story of a Hmong village teacher who became one of the first Hmong pilots in the Secret War in Laos. The show runs Friday and Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $66.27.
Meanwhile, the Pillsbury House and Theatre’s Naked Stages series presents “What Remains,” a performance by ceramics artist Sayge Carroll. Carroll will sing original songs and play handmade clay instruments, accompanied by dancers J.H. Shuǐ Xiān and Carol Trindade, who explore mental health and the illusion of masks through movement. This show runs Friday through Saturday at 7 p.m. in Minneapolis, with pick‑your‑price tickets beginning at $5.
Community Impact
After a well‑received debut last November, the Mystery Box returns with a larger roster and a renewed commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices. P’orantes emphasized the importance of community support: “When I was starting out in theater, drag and poetry, it was other Native artists who helped platform me. I can only do my diligence and help give that back.”
All events are open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online, starting at $29.44 for the Mystery Box. For more information, visit the respective event websites.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
