Suicide Prevention Play THE WINTER BEAR Launches Alaskan Tour

By: Mar. 26, 2019
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Suicide Prevention Play THE WINTER BEAR Launches Alaskan Tour

Perseverance Theatre will present The Winter Bear, a play by former Alaska Writer Laureate Anne Hanley, in April in the communities of Anchorage, Buckland, Shungnak, Nome, St. Paul, and Unalaska. Admission to all shows is free.

The play, which has been performed throughout Alaska since 2008, tells the story of a troubled Alaska Native teenager who decides suicide is his best option until Athabascan elder Sidney Huntington shows him how to use traditional culture to work through his despair and find his true voice. The Winter Bear Project is built around the play, providing school workshops in the performing arts and Behavioral Health support through non-profit partners. The mission of The Winter Bear Project is "to change the climate of fear & hopelessness that breeds suicide by broadening awareness, stimulating dialogue, and promoting healing through the performing arts."

The show is directed by Perseverance Theatre Artistic Director Art Rotch. The performing company will feature the return of Alaska Native actors Brían Wescott as Sidney Huntington and Skyler Ray-Benson Davis as Duane. In all, twelve company members will embark on the two-week tour.

Major funding for The Winter Bear Project 2019 is provided by Southcentral Foundation, Teck, the Aleutian Pribilof Island Association, Sitnasuak Native Corporation, the Charlotte Martin Foundation, Maniilaq, Kawerak, NANA, and the Rasmuson Foundation through the Harper Arts Touring Fund as administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Additional funding from the Bering Sea Lions Club, Norton Sound Health Corporation, the Nome Arts Council, the Aleut Native Corporation, and the King Island Native Corporation. Communities are providing valuable support in the form of lodging, show venues, and local services.

Locations and dates are as follows:

April 9, 2019 - Anchorage, AK | April 11, 2019 - Buckland, AK
April 13, 2019 - Shungnak, AK | April 15, 2019 - Nome, AK
April 17, 2019 - St. Paul, AK | April 20, 2019 - Unalaska, AK

For more information about The Winter Bear Project, visit our website, www.winterbearproject.com.

 


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