'Shawnee Living History Tour' debuts in Xenia

Xenia, Ohio — Caesar’s Ford Theatre held live costumed stage readings of its Shawnee Living History Tour over the weekend at the Xenia Area Community Theatre. It was the first public preview of something unique the non-profit is trying to bring to the region: more accurate, historical storytelling with actors who are citizens of federally recognized tribes. They say their living history tour contrasts outdoor dramas like the now defunct Bluejacket and Tecumseh! that rely on harmful stereotypes.

The Shawnee Living History will take audience members to four historically significant locations: Caesar Ford park in Xenia, Great Council State Park in Oldtown, Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs and George Rogers Clark Park outside of Springfield. A stop at Young’s Dairy for lunch is also planned along the way.

At each historic site, actors in 18th century costuming will perform connected vignettes about what the area between the Little Miami and Scioto rivers was like before statehood. In between stops, the cast will be available to answer questions, organizers said.