Libretto by Rose Ann Abrahamson • Music by Hovia Edwards and Justin Ralls
Performed at The Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre, at Portland Opera's Hampton Opera Center | 211 SE Caruthers Street (at Water Ave.)
Opera Theatre Oregon presents a 35-minute scene of Nu Nah-Hup: Sacajawea's Story. This new work in development reimagines the story of Sacajawea, the extraordinary Lemhi-Shoshone woman who was a crucial member of the historic 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition, from her Aqai-Dika, Indigenous perspective. The scene will be presented alongside excerpts of music, soundscapes, and presentations of traditional Agai-Dika/Lemhi-Shoshone music, language, and culture by Rose Ann Abranhamson and also features Native American Flutist and composer Hovia Edwards with chamber orchestra. The presented scene is based on an incident of domenstic violence recorded in the original expedition journals on August 14, 1805.
The cast includes Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations mezzo-soprano, Marion Newman premiering the role of Sacajawea. Joining her are baritones, Richard Zeller, who will portray Toussaint Charbonneau, and Dan Gibbs as Captain William Clark. OTO is honored that the production will feature originally commissioned traditional deer dress, leggings, moccasins and traditional Agai-Dika cradleboard crafted by Rose Ann Abrahamson and her sister, Rozina George, as well as a reproduction of Sacajawea's historic blue bead belt, crafter by Leela Abrahamson, Rose Ann's daughter. Dustina Abrahamson, another daughter of Rose Ann's, will also design traditional hair and makeup for Marion Newman's portrayal of their ancestor, Sacajaewa.
A pre-concert talk by Rose Ann Ambrahamson will be held prior to each performance.
Content Warning: this production includes depicitions of domenstic violence. Audience discretion is advised.
Portland Opera is honored to host Opera Theatre Oregon for this production.
Rose Ann Abrahamson is an educator/cultural historian and respected tribal stateswoman of the Lemhi-Shoshone nation. She is Lemhi Shoshone. She is the Great-great-great-niece of Sacajawea (the famous Lemhi Shoshone woman who traveled with the Lewis & Clark Expedition), through Chief Cameahwait (brother of Sacajawea), and the great-great granddaughter of Chief Tendoy (son of Chief Cameahwait and the last Lemhi Shoshone Chief). She is a respected leader and educator working on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in northeastern Idaho and the community at large.
To learn more about the piece, and the artists involved, please visit www.operatheatreoregon.com.