Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
PARK HILL, OKLAHOMA – The summer months in Tahlequah, OK, offer many entertainment options for visitors and residents. From encapsulating dramas to floating the Illinois River, vacationing in Tahlequah has become increasingly popular. One of the most prominent entertainment venues continues to be the Trail of Tears Drama, presented annually at the Cherokee Heritage Center.
Audiences of the Trail of Tears drama will experience the sorrow and devastation derived from the forced removal of the Cherokee people. 
“Trail of Tears: Rebuilding a Nation” is a new drama, by playwright Layce Gardner, focusing on the triumphs and tragedies of one family. Audiences will experience joys and sorrows as they follow this family through time from before the Trail of Tears to present day. It is a story highlighting a nation’s ability to persevere and flourish through the strength of its people.
“I’m doing a completely different spin on an old story. Gone are the historical characters and the didactic speeches. You never see onstage Ross or Ridge or Waite or any of the characters you’ve already seen over and over again,” said Gardner. “Instead, I am showing a real family living through the events of the past, and following their children up to today. This story is about real living, breathing people.”
Removing those key historical figures allows the audience to experience the emotion of the drama’s key characters. Instead of focusing on historical facts, audience members can focus on the heartaches and joys of a timeless tale.
“I hope they [the audience] are thoroughly entertained,” said Gardner. “Sometimes, we get so involved with a message we tend to forget why people go to the theatre in the first place. I want to entertain them, then while they’re laughing or crying, I’ll slip in the message.”
The message Gardner speaks of is more than an elevated understanding of Cherokee history and culture. She believes there is a larger message underneath.
“It is a universal theme that everyone, Cherokee or not, can empathize with and understand,” said Gardner. “I’m talking about the human spirit and how it can overcome all obstacles and tragedies, and how, if properly nurtured, it can not only preserve, but flourish.”
Retelling this gripping story are numerous talented and dedicated actors and actresses.
“The cast in the Trail of Tears drama features some of Oklahoma’s finest actors. For many, telling this story is a passion,” said Richard Fields, executive director of the Cherokee Heritage Center. “The quality of our production will make one proud to be Cherokee, or at least an admirer of all things Cherokee.”
“Trail of Tears: Rebuilding a Nation” is performed in the beautiful Tsa La Gi Amphitheater in Tahlequah, Okla. The theater’s unique design brings audiences closer to the action in true amphitheater style. The drama is performed every Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. June 19 to September 5. A special Sunday performance will be held Sunday, September 5 at 8 p.m. in observance of the Cherokee National Holiday.
For ticket information, call 918-456-1995. For more information on this, and other Cherokee Heritage Center events, visit the CHC web site.
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |