A play commemorating the Cherokee peoples’ ties to 18th-century Williamsburg is hitting a Colonial Williamsburg stage.
The foundation’s American Indian Initiative will present a dramatic production of “Beloved Women of Chota: War Women of the Cherokee,” starting today on the Revolutionary City’s Charlton Stage.
The production tells the story of two battles for independence: Cherokee fighting to protect their homelands while Virginians and the British compete for Indian allies. Cherokee headman Attakullakulla comes to Williamsburg to negotiate with Gov. Patrick Henry.
Visiting American Indian artists Tonantzin Carmelo (“Into the West” and “CSI: Miami”) and DeLanna Studi (“General Hospital” and “Shameless”) appear in the title roles.
“With this year’s special production, we explore the complexities of 18th-century Indian diplomacy and consensus building and examine competing views — not only of Cherokee men, but also of women,” said Buck Woodard, AII program development manager, in a news release.
Performances start at 2:30 p.m. today and Sunday, as well as Oct. 22 through 25 and Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. They are open to all guests with Colonial Williamsburg paid admission and to William & Mary students with valid ID.
Supplementary programs include “Cherokee Trader Tour,” led by an interpreter who just returned from the frontier, and “Behind the Scenes in Indian Country,” a discussion of theatrical work with the cast of the play.
“Cherokee Trader Tour” starts 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 at the Governor’s Palace East Advance and requires a free reservation in addition to admission. “Behind the Scenes in Indian Country” begins at 11 a.m. Oct. 24 through the 26, 29, 31 and Nov. 2.
Two-Day Education Workshop to Consider Nation’s Founding Principles
For a weekend in November, teachers can dive into the topic of “The Constitution and American Protest.”
On Nov. 8 and 9, the Colonial Williamsburg Enlightenment Forum will feature study, dialogue and debate on how the U.S. Constitution balances changing democratic ideas, and how citizens challenged and shaped the notion of American democracy. It will include forum sessions, lectures, examination of primary sources, conversations with Colonial Williamsburg’s historical interpreters and visits to Revolutionary City sites.
“The new program builds on 25 years of Foundation success in professional teacher development with a condensed, and more accessible educational offering crafted not only for teachers, but life-long learners,” said Frances Burroughs, director of educational program development in Colonial Williamsburg’s productions, publications and learning ventures division, in a news release.
The program costs $175, which includes educational materials, full access to the Revolutionary City for the two days of the program and exclusive interaction with actor-interpreters. Teachers will also receive 12 contact hours.
The deadline to register is Oct. 24 and space is limited. For more information or to register, call 565-8417, email [email protected] or click here.
