Papakō: The Journey featured at Planet Texas 2050

On Monday, February 24th, UT Austin’s campus became the stage for Papakō: The Journey, a play for young audiences co-written by Associate Dean of UTeach Fine Arts & UTeach Theatre faculty, Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, Genevieve Schroeder-Arce, and Maria Rocha, co-founder of the Indigenous Cultures Institute. Presented as part of the Planet Texas 2050 Symposium, Papakō: The Journey wove together movement, sound, and storytelling to explore themes of environmental resilience, cultural heritage, and our collective future.

Prompted by a mysterious message from beyond the grave, young cousins Juan and Joseph set off on a trip across Texas that eventually leads them to the White Shaman mural in Comstock, Texas. During this visit, ancient spirits convey a call to action: “Return our bodies to Mother Earth.” Juan and Joseph then forge ahead, determined to fight for the right to rebury their ancestors.

Planet Texas 2050, UT’s flagship research initiative on climate adaptation and sustainability, provided a fitting platform for Papakō‘s message. The performance invited audiences to reflect on the interconnectedness of human communities and the natural world, offering a powerful artistic lens through which to examine the challenges Texas faces.