Guam Legislature presents certificate to Breaking Wave Theater Company after performance

The Guam Legislature presented Certificate No. 146.38COR to Breaking Wave Theater Company and heard a live performance of the company's piece "Fauuna's Final Words." The recognition and performance took place during a legislative session in the Legislature chamber; no formal vote or ordinance was attached to the presentation.

The recognition honored "We Will Not Go Silent," a devised production described by the presenter as created by a collaboration of nine artists that addresses the climate crisis and its connections to colonization, militarization and capitalism. "This recognition of a group whose artistry, courage, and collaborative spirit have stirred our island's conscience and imagination," the presenter said while introducing the certificate. The presenter also thanked Senator Theresa Laughey for joining the chamber.

The presenter and other legislators noted outside support for the production, saying it was supported by a "120,000 grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts with leading funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and additional support from the Doris Duke Foundation." The troupe delivered a musical performance for the chamber; attendees and legislators responded with applause and praise for the artistic presentation.

The certificate (listed in the session as Certificate No. 146.38COR and introduced by "Shelley v. Cavill and all other senators" in the certificate text read into the record) names producer Grama Ryder and credits ensemble members, writers, directors, musical directors, costume and prop designers, stage managers and crew for the production. The presenter called the production "a call to reflection, a call to action, and a call to remember who we are as stewards of our beautiful Island, Guahan."

Breaking Wave Theater Company representatives accepted the honor and offered small gifts: company wraps described as custom-made with the company logo. "We just wanna say thank you so much. Thank you for this honor. We're so honored to continue to share the story of Guam," said CJ OchoCo, identified in the session as a Breaking Wave Theater Company representative. The group posed for photos with legislators after the presentation.

This was a ceremonial recognition: no motion, second, or roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript segment provided, and the certificate was presented as a formal commendation rather than formal legislation. The record indicates several named artists and contributors were recognized by name in the chamber, and several others who could not attend were acknowledged.

For listeners and readers: the production title is "We Will Not Go Silent," the performed number was identified as "Fauuna's Final Words," and the certificate cited in the chamber was No. 146.38COR. Funding sources mentioned in the remarks were the New England Foundation for the Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation.