Wyoming Arts Council

WWP play recalls 1885 Chinese Massacre


From a University of Wyoming press release:

The Wyoming Writing Project will present an original play, “The Ghosts of Bitter Creek,” during a dinner-theatre performance Friday, Aug. 3, at the Trading Post/Centennial Valley Playhouse in Centennial.

The production is based on the 1885 Chinese Massacre in Rock Springs, a significant event in Wyoming’s history. Due to its themes and content, “The Ghosts of Bitter Creek” is not recommended for younger audiences.

The schedule calls for seating in the Trading Post dining area at 6 p.m., dinner service at 6:30 p.m., seating in the Centennial Valley Playhouse at 7:30 p.m., and the play’s debut performance at 8 p.m.

Tickets for both dinner and the performance cost $25 per person. Tickets for the play, without dinner, are $5 per person. Occupancy is limited so advance reservations are required. For ticket reservations and dinner menu selections, call Linda Taylor at (307) 742-7731.

Colin Keeney, University of Wyoming Department of English lecturer, says the play will, “develop the issues, attitudes and politics leading up to the Chinese Massacre, dramatically portray the events of September 1885 in Rock Springs, and examine the event’s aftermath.”

The play will be followed by a dance at the Trading Post that is open to the public. Music will be provided by Keeney, Kate McKeage, Jack Wallace and “Teense” Wilford.

“The Ghosts of Bitter Creek” has been written and will be performed by this year’s participants in the Wyoming Writing Project Summer Invitational. Wes Nethercott, Detroit, Mich., is the director.
Particpants are:
Cheyenne — Ashlie Boltinghouse, Denice Davenport and Roxann Shook
Dixon — Stephanie Malcolm
Douglas — Kathy Morsett
Laramie — Connie Currie, Nancy English, Lori Howe and Leslie Rush
Longmont, Colo. — Katee Vallad
Medicine Bow — Wendy Phillips
Mountain View — Debra Fisher
Oakland, Calif. — Debby Boller
Rawlins — Traci Blaize and Travis Moore
Wheatland — Ann Elder and Linda Hazaleus

The Wyoming Writing Project is funded, in part, by the UW College of Arts and Sciences. Open to all Wyoming teachers from all disciplines and grade levels, the project improves participants’ personal and professional writing abilities, teaches the value of a “writing community,” and develops successful strategies to effectively incorporate writing in all classes from K-12 and beyond.


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