Indigenous Land Use Fee

At 7 Stages, we wish to offer a reflection of the space we occupy, honoring the Muscogee (Creek) people and their land, as our theatre has resided for over 40 years on the stolen land that we know as Atlanta. Producing content that spans nationally and internationally, our theatre is a global center for vital conversations. As such, it is necessary to recognize our own participation as we address injustices across the globe, with not only our productions, but also our administrative practices. We acknowledge that the original voices of this land were and continue to be silenced.  As we examine our role in the arts community, we strive to shed light on colonialism and seek to create brave spaces for Native voices, stories, and leadership. 

With this in mind, for each ticket sold, 7 Stages will be implementing an Indigenous Land Use Fee, the proceeds of which will be paid back to local and national organizations and tribes to ensure the wellbeing of our Indigenous communities. This fee, conceived in conversation with Indigenous collaborators, is a way to begin undoing centuries of erasure. Justice for Native people is about confronting the privilege of settler colonialism and actively breaking down white supremacist power structures.

7 Stages kicked off our Indigenous Land Use Fee during our summer Human Lights Festival: A Curious Encounter. For the first donation, all proceeds earned from the fee were donated to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. 7 Stages’ Artistic & Education Associate Nicolette Emanuelle has roots in the Lumbee tribe and her current work What Are You? draws much inspiration from her experience. We could think of no better way to launch our initiative than by honoring our friend and frequent collaborator.