Hina Falaa production story of early Chickasaw Nation

The cast members of the Hina Falaa Production.

Members of the Chickasaw Children’s Choir delighted the crowd performing two songs in the Chickasaw Theatre Company production of Hina Falaa.

Contributed by Kerri McDonald, tribal media relations

On November 7, the Chickasaw Theatre Company presented a one-act play entitled Hina Falaa, The Long Journey. The play was adapted by Lorie Robins, tribal Performing Arts Coordinator, and included original music composed by David Ballard, tribal Multimedia Department Creative Manager.

Through music, dance and colorful costume and set designs created by the Multimedia Department, Hina Falaa told a story from long ago, when two brothers, Chiksa and Chatah, led their people to a new home in a far-off land. From this long journey, two great Indian nations were created, the Choctaws and the Chickasaws.

The play, directed by tribal Arts and Humanities Division Administrator Lona Barrick, included a special appearance by the Chickasaw Children’s Choir, conducted by Phillip Berryhill.

Cast members include:

• Storyteller Julie Ray
• Hopaye Kevin Worden
• Miko Chiksa Ric Miller
• Miko Chatah Steve Jacob
• Kowi Ishto, Big Cat, Chiksa Follower
• Jeremy Wallace
• Nashoba, Wolf, Chatah Follower
• Clete Robins
• Fohshe, Bird, Sister Kate Duty
• Chokfi, Rabbit, Sister Cati Newport
• Ishke, Mother Kathleen Duty
• Intikbe, Brother Brandon Clifton
• Loksi, Turtle, Little Sister Madelyn Duty