Visit the unique Archway Gallery, nestled in the heart of Montrose, and hear selected readings of "Inara and the Tree of Souls: An Anthology of Tales,” an original work by renowned choreographer/performer/scholar, Kristina Koutsoudas. Funded in part by a grant through the city of Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance, this project is based on the tales of the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of Inanna and expands upon them.* In Kristina’s story, the traditional narrative of “The Huluppu Tree, ”the center of the tales, is reframed to emphasize the need for the protection and preservation of nature, of the wilderness within and around us, rather than the use of violence against it and the women who represent it.

A lover of history and traditional mythology, the author says of her work, “my intent is to add to history, not revise it."

Readings will be accompanied by traditional recorded music, original artwork, artist talk, and question/answer sessions.

Additional stories, including back stories, legends, and songs, introduce messages relevant and necessary to today’s world including the importance of community, diversity and inclusivity, female (and male) empowerment, creativity, compassion, cooperation vs. competition, the protection of nature, and celebration of a divine feminine to name a few. Set with themes of romance and adventure, these tales are both educational and entertaining, like the teaching stories and myths of old.

Titles include:

Inara & The Huluppu Tree

She Who Crosses the Threshold

Lulu

Anzu

The First Anzu

The Seeking Continues…..With many more and others currently in development.

*Wolkstein, Diane and Samuel N. Kramer, transl. Inanna: Queen of Heaven and Earth. 1983.