Play on missing and murdered Indigenous people debuts in Missoula
Production at Montana Repertory Theatre centered on a Native mother searching for her abducted daughter
Lummi playwright Kendra Mylnechuk Potter premiered her play “Can’t Drink Salt Water” at the Montana Repertory Theatre in Missoula, Montana, drawing a full audience during its February run, according to ICT. The production explores grief and the search for missing loved ones through the story of a Native mother whose daughter is abducted. The play opened in early February at the University of Montana campus with about 450 people attending the premiere and was supported by a grant from The Roy Cockrum Foundation.
Community advocate Carissa Heavy Runner, who works to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous people, introduced the production during its opening, according to ICT. Heavy Runner said the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people and human trafficking remains ongoing. Actors including University of Montana student Shadie Wallette, Northern Cheyenne, performed alongside professional cast members in the production, which uses symbolism and storytelling to highlight the impact of disappearances on Native families and communities.
- 1.Renata Birkenbuel. ICT, .
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