It’s playtime for these students

There were a lot of metaphors in the one-act plays written by students from the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation.

It was anyone’s guess who the characters – mostly animals – represented in the students’ lives.

The themes of the plays were mature and honest: estranged loved ones, death, forgiveness, the bonds of family, greed, selfishness, friendship.

“At this age, they’re very private, so it’s really cool to tap into what their feelings and thoughts are,” said Joe Quintero, a professional actor from Los Angeles who traveled to North Idaho to perform in the students’ one-act plays.

Eight students from the reservation participated in the Mentor Artists Playwrights Project, which pairs students with mentors who help them develop single-act plays. This is the third year tribal students have participated in the project.

Performances continue this evening at the Human Rights Education Center in Coeur d’Alene and throughout the week in Pullman and Worley. The readings are free and open to the public.

Lakeside High student Tiana Higgins, 15, is among the young playwrights whose work is featured.

“I thought it was a real learning experience,” said Higgins, who wrote “A Swamp And a Croc.”

Actor Maricela Ochoa – who has appeared on TV shows including “ER” and “New York Undercover” – read the part of Odysius the Swamp, a character who’s able to shape into many things but is always swamp-like in that she’s filled with mud and twigs.

Steve the Croc, portrayed by Andrew Roa, convinces Odysius of her inner beauty.

Higgins sat quietly Wednesday as the actors, seated in blue plastic chairs in the school gym, read the play in front of her classmates.

Afterward, she stood and bowed with the actors – and then by herself – to resounding applause.

Coeur d’Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan said the project instills important qualities in students: the ability to write well and self-confidence.

The founders of MAPP, Thomas Kellogg and Myra Donnelley, describe their Young Native Playwrights Initiative as a “unique opportunity to glimpse into the hearts and minds” of the students.

Roa has been involved as a mentor and actor with MAPP for eight years, performing student-written plays throughout the country.

“We’re going to do our best to bring them to life, which isn’t too hard because they’re good writers,” he said. “The big payoff is to help Native youth and youth from other backgrounds. To see the creativity of the kids is amazing.”