Rebel Theater, The Eagle Project and The Nuyorican Poets Café Present

TRAIL OF TEARS

236 East 3rd St.
NY NY

10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26 July

Conceived and Directed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj
Written by Thomas J. Soto

Featuring Christopher Augustine, Samantha Clark, Wolfen de Kastro, Nerea Duhart, Christopher Robert Ellis, Tony Enos, Darleen Rae Fontaine, Olivia Hoffman, Alana Inez, Javon Minter, Crystal Montalvo, Michael Nephew, Richard Perez, Lamar Perry, Ryan Victor "Little Eagle" Pierce and C.G. Reeves.

According to the press release, TRAIL OF TEARS blends elements of documentary theater, first person narrative, political satire and traditional musical theater to tell the story of the Native American Removal Act. Signed into law in 1830 by President Andrew Jackson, the Act led to the displacement and death of thousands of Native Americans.

It also uses autobiographical stories and Native American dance and music which give it a rich authenticity in its storytelling. The jumble of styles is sometimes confusing, yet most of it is very affecting as it tells the story not only of the famous Trail of Tears, but of the consistent maltreatment, displacement, genocide and attempted cultural annihilation perpetrated against Native Americans in this country.

- Jean Tait -