Sixth graders take in ‘Ajijaak’ at the Lied Center

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A unique show is at the Lied Center in Lincoln.

It’s called “Ajijaak,” and it features puppets created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop.

The show by IBEX Puppetry tells the story of a young whooping crane separated from her family.

It depicts Native American culture and mixes Native dialogue with English.

The story symbolizes the relationship between cranes and Indigenous people.

By Thursday morning, the show will have been seen by over 6,000 sixth grade students.

On Tuesday afternoon, students from local schools, along with Native American schools across the state, gathered to take in the show.

“It means a lot to me,” said Kristine Earth, a culture and language teacher at Winnebago Public Schools. “I’m thankful to the creators of this IBEX Puppetry show and to be able to incorporate, you know our core subjects in our public schools … it kind of brings it all together and puts it on a stage to highlight our people’s past, present and future.”

Executive Director Bill Stephan said the Lied Center is honored to have relationships with Native communities across the state.

He said about the show, “It’s a really an immersive experience, and not only in performing arts but also in the Native American culture, which is showcased through the music and the dance. So it’s just really a wonderful celebration of the Native American culture and their philosophy regarding the environment.”

“Ajijaak” opens to the public Thursday evening at 7 p.m., and tickets are still available online or at the Lied Center box office.

There’s also a FamFest included in the purchase of a ticket.

It’s before the show at 5:30 and includes free games, crafts, Runza and cookies.  You can even make your own puppets.

Stephan said it’s going to be a party, and the show is for all ages and all walks of life.