A Breathtaking herd of life-size buffalo puppets are coming to new york city. Will you run with them?

A breathtaking herd of 50 life-size buffalo puppets gathers in New York City to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Part spectacle, part ritual, Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi invites us to join the herd as they roam, graze, and run wild through downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, encountering live music, poetry, ceremonies, and performances along the way. Inspired by the buffalo's extraordinary return - from near extinction to repopulation - Return of the Buffalo ushers in a new period of healing.

For many First Nations peoples, the return of the Buffalo symbolises the beginning of a new cycle of time. Through this inclusive public arts spectacle that invites everyone onto the streets, we're inviting New Yorkers from all backgrounds to participate in this moment of reflection and togetherness.  

Return of the Buffalo is the latest collaboration from St. Ann’s Warehouse and The Walk Productions in association with KBH Arts and Theatre of War Productions.

It is created by Amir Nizar Zuabi and conceived in partnership with the Elders of the Lenape and Lakota Tribes, Creative Director Bryan Doerries (Theater of War Productions Artistic Director), Music Director Adam Shore, Nonesuch Records President David Bither, and Immediate Medium Artistic Director JJ Lind.

The project reunites The Walk Productions with Puppetry Designers Ukwanda Puppets - Siphokazi Mpofu, Sipho Ngxola and Luyanda Nogodlwana (The Herds), our long time collaborator, Puppetry Director Craig Leo (The Herds and Little Amal) and digital designer Tundra Dunckley (The Herds).

We are grateful to our supporters who make this work possible. Leadership support is from The Jerome L. Greene Foundation, with additional funding from Alexander Leff and James Armstrong, Stephanie and Tim Ingrassia, Wendy vanden Heuvel / Distracted Globe Foundation, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Alliance for Downtown New York, H.B. Henson Fund and Cheryl Henson, SHS Foundation, and the DUMBO Business Improvement District.