Crossing Mnisose
- Previews Apr. 13–18 | Opening night Apr. 19
- By Mary Kathryn Nagle
- Directed by Molly Smith
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
Crossing Mnisose (“minne-show-she”) tells the story of one of America's first feminists, Sacajawea, and draws a line from a completely original view of Lewis and Clark to the present day, as descendants of the Dakota and Lakota Nations continue their fight for the Mnisose (or what Europeans named the “Missouri River”) and the lands that contain the burials of their ancestors. From celebrated playwright, activist, and attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle (Cherokee Nation), whose Manahatta captivated audiences at Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Commissioned by Portland Center Stage at The Armory | World Premiere
Run Time
Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with one intermission.
Who's Who
View the Cast and Creative Team
Playbill
Explore the Program
Prologues
Join us for brief informational talks at 6:55 p.m. before every weeknight performance. Does not include preview performances.
Q&As
Post-show discussions with cast and crew follow matinee performances April 25, 27, May 2, and 4.
Access Dates
Open Captioned - April 27, 2 p.m.
Audio Described - April 28, 2 p.m.
Sign Interpreted - May 2, 7:30 p.m.
Note
Recommended for ages 15 and up. This production contains loud noises, combat, domestic violence, strong language, and fog/haze. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production at The Armory. Learn more by calling 503-445-3700 or emailing .
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
More About This Production
Sacajawea? Sacagawea? Sakakawea?
There have been many pronunciations and spellings used for Sacajawea's name throughout history. Read on to learn about the approach used in Crossing Mnisose.
Timeline of Historical Events: "Crossing Mnisose"
Explore the historical timeline involved in Crossing Mnisose.
An Interview with Mary Kathryn Nagle
The playwright discusses deconstructing the mythology of Lewis and Clark, learning the truth about Sacajawea, and how her experiences at the Standing Rock protests and as a lawyer fighting for Indigenous rights informed the writing of Crossing Mnisose.
Why I Wrote This Play
In her own words: Mary Kathryn Nagle on her journey to restore the forgotten narrative of Sacajawea, connect her story to those of modern Native women survivors, and place the mythology of Manifest Destiny in the context of recent history.
"Crossing Mnisose" Cast & Creative Team
Meet the exciting cast and creative team behind Crossing Mnisose.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Production Sponsors
2018-2019 Season Superstars
2018-2019 Season Supporting Sponsors
