The Trail of Tears, when the U.S. government forcibly relocated Native Americans from the southeast to what is now Oklahoma in 1838, remains a dark spot on the soul of the nation. Forcing the Cherokee into boats and then a march over 900 miles long, thousands died of starvation, exposure, and disease. DeLanna Studi, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is the creator an performer of an extraordinary piece currently playing at the IRT, And So We Walked.
The play recounts Studi’s journey on the Trail of Tears with her father, and the spirits of her ancestors. The pain and dislocation — past and present — comes alive on a spare stage with shifting video backdrop. The show begins a self-exploration of how the past becomes personal, connecting Studi to her father and her people in a liberating and emotionally complicated two hours on the Upperstage.
Director Corey Madden and Scenic Designer John Coyne let Studi’s strength shine, providing just enough backdrop to add to the story but not so much as to overwhelm. This is a powerful play written and performed by Studi, and the first in the IRT’s INclusion Series.
Tickets are available at the IRT through Nov. 10 by calling 317-635-5252 or visiting irtlive.com
