OUTSIDE THE BOX:

If your travels will take you to the National Mall Dec. 26-31, there is a free performance at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian of the original play Hear Me Say My Name. The play will be staged at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm each of those six days; tickets are free and available first come-first served. "'I am not your mascot, and I don't live in a tipi. See me for who I am, hear me say my name.' How do American Indian stereotypes, prejudice, and identity shape the discussion of what it means to be a young person in our country today? This original multimedia play, created by Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater in collaboration with the American Indian Museum, tackles America's assumptions about American Indians and starts a conversation with audiences reclaiming rich history, challenges, hopes, and dreams. After the play, students are invited to explore the exhibition galleries with self-guided materials to learn more." The play is recommended for 5th-12th graders. For more information, see discoverytheater.org/hearmesaymyname/