Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
Every family has a story, a story that is passed from generation to generation until, eventually, it is transformed from someone’s memory into a family legacy. But what if that story reached further than the history of a single family? What if that story became the legacy of an entire nation? For many families this is exactly what happened. What began as the heartbreak and destruction of numerous families continues today as the strength and determination of a people.
"A story highlighting the strength of our Nation as shown through the
spirit of our people."
In the 1800s, thousands of Native Americans were forced to move west of the Mississippi River into "Indian Territory." This removal, that killed thousands of fathers, mothers and children, has come to be known as the Trail of Tears. For many of those weary travelers, Tahlequah, Okla. was the end of the trail. In remembrance of this tragic exodus, the Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc. produces the annual Trail of Tears drama.
The all-new, 2004 drama, "Trail of Tears: Rebuilding a Nation," by Playwright Layce Gardner, focuses on the triumphs and tragedies of a Cherokee family. Audiences will experience the family’s joys and sorrows as they follow them through time from before the Trail of Tears to present day.
"I am showing a real family living through the events of the past and following their children up to today," said Gardner. "This is a story about real, living, breathing people."
Gone from this year’s drama are the historical characters and the educational speeches. Audiences will, instead, learn through the experiences of the drama’s key characters.
"I want to entertain the audience," said Gardner, "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. 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 persevere, but flourish."
Persevering and flourishing are exactly what the Cherokee did. From their humble beginnings, the Cherokee have built an entire nation that continues to grow and prosper.
"The story of the Cherokee would be incredible even if it were fiction," said Cherokee Heritage Center Executive Director, Richard A. Fields, "but as it is history, it is remarkably amazing. A people, who are forced from their homeland, resettled in a new area without adequate supplies, and still manage to prosper, is a story worth learning about."
Writing the history of an entire nation is a monumental task that would cause anxiety for any experienced playwright; anxiety that Gardner had to overcome before beginning to write the new drama.
"I actually struggled with the decision to write the drama for quite awhile. There seemed to be so many risks, not the least of which was wanting to please the entire Cherokee Nation," said Gardner. "I wanted to represent them in a true light, a light that would not only show their struggles, but the spirit and perseverance that has helped them overcome those struggles."
It seems as though Gardner has not only captured the spirit and perseverance of the Cherokee people, but she is also passing it on through the dynamic characters of the drama.
"Ms. Gardner is an accomplished writer who understands Cherokee life and the importance of Cherokee culture," said Fields. "Her play covers not only the Trail of Tears, but the period between the trail and today. It conveys the importance of passing on our history in a manner that directly relates to many who are searching for their past."
What began years ago as an injustice has since become the legacy of many families across the Nation. The legacies of perseverance and strength have come to define the Cherokee people. These legacies are the driving force behind the drama.
"The cast in the Trail of Tears drama features some of Oklahoma’s finest actors. For many, telling this story is a passion," said Fields. "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 19th to September 5th. A special Sunday performance will be held Sunday, September 5th at 8:00 p.m. in observation of the Cherokee National Holiday.
For ticket information, call 918-456-6007, call toll free 888-999-6007. For more information on this, and other Cherokee Heritage Center Events, visit the CHC web site, and visit the Trail of Tears Drama 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 |