Native voices heard in ‘Crossing Mnisose’
4/17/2019, 8:48 a.m.
Chris Murray (from left), Nick Ferruci, Nathalie Standingcloud and Robert Mesa star in ‘Crossing Mnisose,’ a new world premiere play that weaves together Sacajawea’ story with that of current efforts by Native Americans and others to save the Missouri River from the Dakota Access Pipeline. PHOTO BY KATE SZROM/PORTLAND CENTER STAGE AT THE ARMORY
“Crossing Mnisose” (minne-show-she) tells the story of one of America's first feminists, Sacajawea, and draws a line from a completely original view of Lewis and Clark to the present day, as descendants of the Dakota and Lakota Nations continue their fight for the Mnisose (or what Europeans named the “Missouri River”) and the lands that contain the burials of their ancestors. The play is from celebrated playwright, activist, and attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle (Cherokee Nation), whose “Manahatta” recently captivated audiences at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Commissioned by Portland Center Stage at the Armory, Crossing Mnisose began its run with preview performances on Saturday, April 13. Opening night is Friday, April 19 with shows continuing through May 5 on the U.S. Bank Main Stage at The Armory. Tickets start at $25. For more information, visit pcs.org.