Not One More Foot of Land: Major Ridge and the Trail of Tears

Synopsis: This play is currently in development, having had several staged readings. It follows the life of Major Ridge, a Cherokee, from about the period 1790-1840. Was he a traitor to his people or their savior? The Trail of Tears refers to the United States government forcing the Cherokees to move from their ancestral lands in the southeast to territory west of the Mississippi River. Thousands of Cherokees died on the long journey. The forcible eviction was made possible by a treaty arranged for by Major Ridge and others, which many Cherokees considered illegal.

Notes: A few roles, principally Major Ridge, his wife, their son, and John Ross are played throughout by one actor. All other actors play multiple roles at the discretion of the director.