| |
|
|
AATE Distinguished Play Award (2005, Adaptation)
In 1911 Joyce Simmons Cheeka was forcibly taken from her family and sent to a government boarding school. This is her true story.
"Takes you on a journey across time to a fascinating world whose very existence is imperiled. To 'remember' is a way to keep it alive, and it is the young who must carry it forward." —John Dillon, Director, ShenanArts |
|
|
Drama. By Steven Dietz. Based on the unpublished memoir As My Sun Now Sets by Joyce Simmons Cheeka, as told to Werdna Phillips Finley. Cast: 13m., 12w. (may double to as few as 9m., 8w., plus possible dancers and musicians.) The Rememberer tells the true story of Joyce Cheeka, a young Squaxin Indian girl, who is forcibly taken from her home and placed in a government-run school in 1911. As the chosen "rememberer" for her tribe—an honor passed down to her from her grandfather, Mud Bay Sam—it is Joyce's duty to pass on the stories, history and wisdom of her people. However, the aims of the white boarding school are quite the opposite. Their job is to eliminate any trace of Joyce's heritage. Through her friendship with the headmaster at the school, and with the help of her "spirit guide," Joyce succeeds in forming a bridge between this new world and the world of her ancestors. Through her patience, grit, humor, curiosity and inclusiveness of spirit, she does honor to the words of her elders: "Each day is a gift. And to waste that day is inexcusable. Account for yourself. Be useful." Joyce Simmons Cheeka lived a remarkable, heroic and, indeed, useful life. Ages 7 and up. Area staging. Approximate running time 90 minutes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Per the author, feel free to substitute a Native American language from your own community in place of the Squaxin dialect called for in the script. He doesn't want to discourage any theatre from tracking down the actual Squaxin—but it is very difficult, even when in full consultation with the tribe, as he was when he premiered the show. Cecil Cheeka, Joyce Simmons Cheeka's son, agrees with this approach. He voiced that the events of this play happened nationally to many other tribes, and so it is appropriate to use the Native language of your choice. Mr. Cheeka has offered to assist producing groups with information and can be reached at 360-352-7227. Other possible resources include the Daybreak Star Cultural Center in Seatttle and the Squaxin Museum in Shelton, Washington. Again, as great as it is to have the actual dialect, he feels strongly that this should not be an impediment to production. Therefore, if another native tongue is used—and used accurately and respectfully—it will absolutely serve the wishes of the play and its author. On the music: same note. Find the Squaxin if possible, but feel free to use other Native melodies (which are more readily available than finding differing languages; most CD stores will have Native American music of some kind) that suit the needs of the production. |
|
|
(Subject to Restriction) |
|
Full-Length |
| R68 |
| 25 |
| 2 |
| 93 |
| $65.00 /perf.* |
| $7.50 |
| 90 min. |
|
|
| Middle School * High School * College and Adult * Family (All Audiences) | | High Schools * College Theatre * Community Theatre * Stock & Lort | | Drama |
| 1583422137 |
| 05/03/2004 |
|
|
| | |  | Steven Dietz's twenty-plus plays and adaptations have been seen at over one hundred regional theatres, as well as Off-Broadway. International productions of his work have been seen in England, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Argentina, Peru, Singapore, Slovenia and South Africa. Mr. Dietz is the recipient of the PEN U.S.A. Award in Drama (Lonely Planet); the Kennedy Center Fund ...More | | |
| |
This title can only be licensed/sold in the U.S. and Canada
Please note that royalties quoted in our catalog are intended for K-12 schools with a standard curriculum only. All other producing groups must submit a completed
application.
|
|
|
|
