This interactive open-air family-friendly production brings to life the foundational Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Creation Story through a vibrant fusion of aerial puppetry, dance, and community engagement.
Developed with Indigenous artistic leadership at its core, Turtle Island honors ancestral narratives while addressing contemporary themes of balance, environmental stewardship, and collective responsibility. It invites audiences to witness the birth of the world atop the turtle’s back—a story that resonates across cultures as a symbol of resilience and interconnectedness.
“While other humans in the world focused on great monuments of stone, the Haudenosaunee began with our human nature; the struggle to balance our emotions, those destructive versus peaceful. Can we today learn to love the world we have before mankind destroys every living thing? These twin and opposite emotions live within us. Our elders ask us to honor our teachings. Learn to find balance in our behavior toward one another.” G. Peter Jemison, Seneca Nation
Cocktail Reception at
Maison de la Région Occitanie Pyrénées Méditerranée
Known for their unique art of inflatable sculpture and collaborations with artists like Osgemeos and Michel Dissaké, Plasticiens Volants are thrilled to collaborate with one of the most influential Seneca artists G. Peter Jemison on a new production: Turtle Island, bringing to life the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Creation Story through inflatable aerial sculptures, choreography by Skywoman Iroquois Dance Theater, and community engagement this October in NYC.
G. Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan; b. 1945)
A seminal figure in Native American arts, Jemison’s work is represented in major collections including MoMA, the Whitney Museum, the British Museum, and the Denver Art Museum. His paintings, videos, and mixed media embody Orenda, the Haudenosaunee belief in the spiritual force that animates all life.
As a curator, administrator, and cultural leader, Jemison has shaped Indigenous representation in contemporary art for decades. This collaboration extends his vision into the realm of public space, where his work can reach new, large-scale audiences.
William Crouse Sr. is a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Hawk clan. He is a faithkeeper, singer, and speaker of the Coldspring Longhouse. As group leader, singer, lecturer, and dancer of the Allegany River Indian Dancers, Bill has traveled all over the U.S. and Canada. He has performed in Rome, Italy, and Würzburg, Germany. Bill is the founder of the Skywoman Iroquois Dance Theater.
Plasticiens Volants & Air Fabric
For over 50 years, Plasticiens Volants has transformed skies into canvases for poetic storytelling with giant inflatable sculptures. Their productions, and notable collaborations with artists like Osgemeos and Michel Dissaké, have been presented at major international events including the Olympic Games, World Cup, and leading festivals on six continents.
With Air-Fabric, their fabrication studio dedicated to monumental inflatable design, the company now collaborates directly with artists, curators, and institutions to craft flying, fixed, or carried sculptures that elevate an artist’s work into new dimensions—museum plazas, public parks, or even entire cityscapes.
Through this unique savoir-faire, Plasticiens Volants and Air-Fabric offer museums and galleries innovative ways to extend the visibility of their artists beyond traditional walls, creating spectacular and accessible encounters with contemporary art. Their unique storytelling approach creates living stages without walls—ideal for civic celebrations and cultural encounters.
Designed for outdoor public spaces—parks, waterfronts, urban plazas—the performance is scalable and ideal for festivals, community days, and family-oriented events. The show can be paired with storytelling, performances, or workshops led by local Indigenous artists, offering a platform for meaningful cultural exchange and local engagement.
Please Support the Free Performances at Hudson River Park, Ganondagan, and Prospect Park — open to all public.
Your support will be fully tax-deductible and will go directly to the Friends of Ganondagan organization to support the Seneca dancers.
Please email us at unicycleproductions@gmail.com to request donation information.
Thank you for supporting the Turtle Island project. We are not a nonprofit yet, so if you require a donation, you can support Friends of Ganondagan by emailing us directly at unicycleproductions@gmail.com. Thank you!"
Turtle Island marks Part I of a large scale production in development. We are currently seeking co-commissioning and touring partners to help bring the full story to life in future seasons.
Designed for outdoor public spaces—parks, waterfronts, urban plazas—the performance is scalable and ideal for festivals, community days, and family-oriented events. The show can be paired with storytelling, performances, or workshops led by local Indigenous artists, offering a platform for meaningful cultural exchange and local engagement.
Looking for a custom-made inflatable to own? See the options here and contact us for details: https://air-fabric.com/entreprise-air-fabric