SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—The Lippman School is proud to announce the world premiere of an original work, “Ziibin Bemidjiwan: The River Flows,” by Pangea World Theater of Minneapolis as part of the We Do It for the Water grant project. The two performances of this work will be held at 2:00pm on May 18, 2024 at the Oxbow Area, Cascade Valley Metro Park and 2:00pm on May 19, 2024 in Howe Meadow, Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
“Ziibin Bemidjiwan: The River Flows” was written by playwright and water walker Sharon Day, enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe, and directed by Dipankar Mukherjee. “Ziibin Bemidjiwan: The River Flows” consists of the musings, songs and stories of an Ojibwe water walker and explores how we may heal and restore our connection to the water, the world, and to each other.
Both events are free to all and made possible by the ArtsForward grant program administered by ArtsNow, the backbone arts and culture organization for Summit County. The event is also supported by a generous contribution by the Summit County Executive’s Office and assistance from the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The performances feature open lawn seating and visitors are advised to bring chairs, blankets, umbrellas, etc. and to follow guidance from Summit Metro Parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Except in cases of severe weather or lightning, the show will go on.
“The Lippman School has been at the forefront of connecting our community with indigenous peoples and tribes, as well as the history and environment of our region,” said Head of School Sam Chestnut, “We are delighted to offer this incredible opportunity to the public and are so grateful that Sharon and her guests are able to perform for us.”
Sharon Day has a longstanding relationship with Northeast Ohio, returning many times for various events, including water walks, also called Nibi Walks. Sharon has led Nibi Walks along the Cuyahoga River, the Little Cuyahoga River, the Mississippi River, Lake Superior, and beyond. Pangea World Theater and Artistic Director Dipankar Mukherjee have worked closely with Sharon Day on multiple productions. The theater ensemble from the Twin Cities utilizes solidarity, sustainability and equity to bring artists together to build a better world.
“As a lifelong supporter of the arts, it is a privilege to welcome these incredible artists and performers to Summit County,” said Executive Shapiro, “And it is only through the commitment of our community that we are able to make performances like this happen.”
Residents interested in attending “Ziibin Bemidjiwan: The River Flows” are asked to register for free at tinyurl.com/OxbowArea for May 18 and tinyurl.com/HoweMeadow for May 19. More information about the event will soon be available at walkportagepath.com.
