On Friday, May 19, 2006 and Saturday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m., Pingry’s middle school students will stage The Rememberer. The play will be in the Macrae Theater at Pingry School’s Martinsville campus.

The story is told by Joyce Simmons Cheeka, a Squaxin Indian, who had been chosen early in life to be the keeper of the stories, recollections, history, and genealogy of the tribe. Joyce was one of many children who were removed from their homes and placed in government-run boarding schools. The administration of the schools frowned upon the remembering of native culture and the story is about the children’s struggle to bridge the two worlds. The play is based on the book As My Sun Now Sets by Joyce Simmons Cheeka as told to Werdna Phillips Finely, an educator and child drama advocate.

The actors treat this difficult topic with great sensitivity, especially given their young ages. They attack the issues of prejudice, cultural misunderstanding, and misogyny and illustrate the great tenacity of humankind to one’s culture and ancestors.

Tickets are $7.50 and can be purchased at the box office. For additional information, please call 908-647-5555.



© 2006 The Pingry School