The Reincarnation of Stories

Reincarnation of Stories:  New play, to be performed in Tlingit, opens tonight

By Amy CondraHope’s previous plays include “Raven Odyssey,” “Cedar House” and “Gunakadeit,” which was performed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum for the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

His newest work, “The Reincarnation of Stories,” opens tonight, and features four actors—Frank Katasse, Edward Littlefield, Erin Tripp and Hope himself—who will perform the story of Naatsilanei, the birth of the killer whale.

They tell the tale in Tlingit, as it was once told by traditional Tlingit artist Willie Marks. While everyone in the cast was raised speaking English, they have also each studied Tlingit.

“It takes a long time to memorize Tlingit,” Hope said. “It can be like pushing a rock up a hill! But everyone in the cast has Tlingit lines.”Comment:  For more on the subject, see All About Ishmael Hope.