WE’RE STILL HERE
A proposed copper mine pits the preservation of a sacred Indigenous river against the survival of a rural town. Two young leaders, fighting to save their homes, become bitter political enemies. They also form an unlikely bond.
Inspired by true events at Oak Flat, Arizona, this show blends Indigenous storytelling with musical theatre, created by Mesquakie tribal elder Alex Walker Jr. and playwright/composer Cordelia Zars. Following a sold-out workshop production in 2023, We’re Still Here premiered with a 9-show run at the Dairy Arts Center in January & February 2025.
More media from our 2025 run coming soon!
LISTEN TO OUR ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM!
Listen Up! The people are raising their voice.
Written by Alex Walker and Cordelia Zars, this show is cross-cultural collaboration inspired by true events happening at Oak Flat, Arizona. Alex, a Mesquakie tribal elder, and Cordelia, a playwright and composer, worked hand-in-hand to create a unique fusion of Indigenous and musical theatre tradition to tell a story about identity, cultural preservation, and love. Though fictionalized & dramatized, this script emerged from years of research, interviews, and site visits to Oak Flat, Arizona.
Lainey Martin and Minh-Anh Day perform “Fall For You,” Dec. 2023
Aria Summer Wallace, Eric Kills A Hundred, Minh-Anh Day and “River Spirits” perform “River Prayer,” written by Cordelia Zars and Alex Walker Jr. December, 2023
Video by Saraphina Redalieu
Original 2023 Cast performing “Finale.” December 2023.
Video by Saraphina Redalieu
Original 2023 Cast performing “Town Hall.”
Video by Saraphina Redalieu
A FEW TUNES FROM THE COMPOSERS
Cordelia sings an excerpt of Maggie’s solo in Act II.
Alex Walker Jr. leads us in a prayer by the St. Vrain River. Traditional Mesquakie prayer and song were an integral part of our creative process as we develop characters, scenes, and musical numbers.
Cordelia reported the Oak Flat story for The Dirtbag Diaries Podcast in July, 2021. Hear the full story here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
