‘York’ comes to Bainbridge Performing Arts
Published 10:30 am Saturday, February 3, 2018
In a powerful, one-man performance, David Casteal transports audiences to 1804 in “York,” the riveting first-person account of the only black man on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, on stage at Bainbridge Performing Arts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4.
Tickets, $20 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206-842-8569 or in person at BPA. Box office hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance.
Due to some language and themes, “York,” directed by Susan Hardie, is recommended for junior high age and above.
As William Clark’s personal slave, York faced challenges that were inconceivable, exhilarating, and — at times — harrowing. One part history and one part pure creative vision, Casteal’s passionate and playful portrayal is set against the driving backdrop of live West African drumming and traditional Native American drum recordings.
Incredibly, York went unrecognized for his accomplishments until 2001, when he was posthumously awarded the rank of Honorary Sergeant in the Corps of Discovery by then-President Bill Clinton.
Conceived by Spokane-based actor and Djembe drummer Casteal, and playwright Bryan Harnetiaux (the Spokane Civic Theatre’s Playwright-in-Residence), “York” has been performed across the northwest to sold-out houses and standing ovations.
It premiered at Spokane Civic theatre on April 29, 2005, and went on to appear in New York City in July 2006.
