St. Louis theatre artist and BCT Alumnus (You Caught Me Dancing 2016) Erin Kelley performs her solo show, PORTRAIT OF MY PEOPLE to benefit the ongoing efforts and recovery of the water protectors of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Through personal stories and family photographs, Kelley, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and a direct descendant of noted Shawnee leader, Tecumseh, shares her experiences growing up in a multi-cultural family. PORTRAIT OF MY PEOPLE offers not only a personal glimpse into Shawnee and Cherokee history, but a look at the rich identity and accomplishments of contemporary Native people. In addition to schools, PORTRAIT has been performed at leading cultural institutions such as Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the Shawnee Cultural Center, and the Missouri History Museum. Originally directed by John Contini, with media design by Larry Mabrey, PORTRAIT received a Kevin Kline Award nomination for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences.
PORTRAIT OF MY PEOPLE for Standing Rock will be performed on Saturday, December 17 at 4:00 pm at the .ZACK Theater, 3224 Locust Street, St. Louis, 63103. The performance is FREE, with a suggested donation of $20. However, donations of all amounts are welcome. Seating is limited and is first come, first served. To be placed on the reservation list, please email PortraitofMyPeople@gmail.com. The show runs 45 minutes followed by a talkback.
To make a donation, visit: http://standwithstandingrock.net/donate. Donations can be made using PayPal or credit card and go directly to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe DAPL Donation Fund, which is being utilized for the tribe’s legal, emergency and sanitary needs. It is asked that patrons bring their donation receipt to the performance so funds raised by this event can be tabulated. If patrons wish to donate at the performance, checks may be made out to “Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.”
Erin Kelley* has been seen on many St. Louis stages including The Muny, STAGES St. Louis, St. Louis Black Repertory Company, Max & Louie Productions, Insight Theatre Company, Variety Children’s Theatre, and Avalon Theatre Company, which she co-founded and where she was Managing Artistic Director for seven years. She has also been based in New York and Chicago.  *Member, Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers