A new St. Paul play shares the perspectives of diverse people impacted by the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894 through song, movement and emotional narrative.
“I think people should come out and see the show because stories are something to experience together,” playwright, producer and founder of Bucket Brigade Theater Jeremiah Gamble said.
Gamble’s show “Survivors of the Fire” runs from Sept. 20 through Oct. 12 at Art House North (793 Armstrong Ave. W.) and was created in commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the northern Minnesota fire, Sept. 1.
Spending his first 10 years of life in Hinckley, Gamble said he has a personal connection to the area. Years later, standing on the grass where he grew up, Gamble said he could smell pine trees and leaves on the mossy path, which evoked memories of his childhood and inspired him to create.
“That led me to think of my grandparents, Howard and Marlene, it was their land,” Gamble said. “How you can be in a place you’re connected to and get the sense that you’re in the past, present and hope for the future.”
The play tells first hand accounts of survivors and pays tribute to many of the 418 who were lost, Gamble said. He describes the show as a tapestry of stories of people affected by the Great Hinckley Fire. The stories follow life in Pine County before, during and after the 1894 fire.
“These stories connect to the whole life experience, how grief and loss is a part of living,” Gamble said. “There’s also a richness of life there.”
He said the play includes active elements of song such as Black spirituals, traditional Ojibwe music and “old-timey” tunes. Movement, lighting and shadow puppets are also intended to enhance emotions.
Upon researching people impacted by the fire, Gamble said he discovered narratives he hadn’t heard of before, including Black and Indigenous stories. As a white man, Gamble said it was important that he cast actors who had personal connections to experiences he does not.
One central story is of a young Ojibwe mother, Makedegwon, who rescued a mother and her two boys on Grindstone Lake, Gamble said.
Another is of John Blair’s heroic actions aboard the Limited Train Number Four. Blair was a Black resident of the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul.
“I loved that connection, this is also a St. Paul story,” Gamble said.
Survivors of the Fire
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 12
Where: Art House North, 793 Armstrong Ave. W., St. Paul
Tickets: $25, $35 or $50 with the option to save or donate to the theater. Opening weekend, $20. Pay-As-You’re-Able night, Monday, Sept. 30
Information: bucketbrigadetheater.com
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