Indian massacre in Night at the Temple

'Night at the Temple' unravels Bay County ghost legends

By Pati LaLondeSeparating fact from fiction is the idea behind the event, an interactive mystery hosted by the Bay Arts Council and presented by students and alumni of Bay County schools. It takes place at one of Bay City’s most historic and imposing buildings, the Masonic Temple, at Sixth and Madison.

Think of it as a live version of the hit movie “Night at the Museum,” says Sara Moore, a member of the Bay Arts Council board and producer for “Night at the Temple.”And:“Each room is a different exhibit,” Moore said. “Each exhibit is based on a real or fictitious ghost story.”

In all, there are nine ghost stories, with scripts written by Bay City Central High School drama teacher Pam Barnes.And:Kate plays a member of the Sauk tribe. After a night of partying, tribal members are attacked by their archenemies, the Chippewas.

“They go back to their place and we rise from the dead,” Kate said.Comment:  I'd say it's stereotypical to associate Indians with ghosts and the supernatural. But since the Indian segment is only one of nine, we can't say they've made this assumption about Indians alone.

But associating Indians with massacres? That's not cool. Even if the massacre actually happened--which we don't know--the choice reinforces our beliefs about Indians. How about an Indian ghost comedy or romance instead of an Indian ghost massacre?

For more on the subject, see Native Plays and Other Stage Shows.