York in Portland: A New Perspective on Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery

The ReBuilding Center and the Native American Youth and Family Center invite you to attend this remarkable event—two performances of the play York on March 12 and 13 at Jefferson High School in Portland. In a powerful, one-man performance, David Casteal plays the character York as “a whirlwind, a force of nature, a vital, laughing, raging bundle of muscle and brain” (Jim Kershner, The Spokesman-Review).

Showtimes:
7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 (doors at 6:30) &
2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 (doors at 1:30)
A short Q&A panel will follow each performance.

Tickets: Advance tickets are $7.00 for students (with ID) and $12.00 for adults. Day-of tickets are $15.00 at the door. To inquire about group ticket sales, please email info@rebuildingcenter.org for more information.

Background:
York tells the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the eyes of York, William Clark’s childhood companion and slave. The Rebuilding Center and NAYA decided to bring this important cultural performance to Portland to share the story of the contributions of people of color to perhaps the most heralded historical event in Pacific Northwest history. The play provides an opportunity for community members to come together to learn about a slice of American history rarely told, from a perspective rarely heard. Event proceeds from both performances will benefit NAYA’s Early College Academy and the ReBuilding Center’s Community Outreach Program.

Directed by Susan Hardie, this production was conceived by two Spokane-based talents, actor and African drummer David Casteal and playwright Bryan Harnetiaux (Spokane Civic Theatre’s Playwright-in-Residence). York has been performed across the Northwest to packed houses and standing ovations. This one-man play is told by York, William Clark’s personal slave, who accompanied the Corps of Discovery as the only black man on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In a stirring performance, Casteal weaves the story of York’s challenges and accomplishments, blending gripping first-person narration with energetic, live African drumming and traditional Native American drum recordings. Although York proved an important participant in the Expedition, as a black man and a slave, he was not recognized as a member of the Corps of Discovery until nearly 200 years after the Expedition. In 2001, President Clinton posthumously awarded York the rank of Honorary Sergeant in the Corps of Discovery.