Tanasi 1796 is a story of Captain Black and Attakullakulla from the time period 1756 from the construction of Fort Loudoun during the French and Indian War through the adoption of the Constitution for the prospective entry of Tennessee as the 16th State of the United States in 1796. The Story is augmented by period music from the Cherokee flutist, Randy McGinnis, fiddle player Conny Ottway. The live production features performances by Robert Rambo as Attakullakulla, Steve Ricker as Ensign Evans, Joseph Casterline as Captain Black, and Mark Halback as Reverend Doaks. Visual presentation features the exquisite period art of acclaimed artists David Wright, Richard Luce, Lloyd Branson and others.
This performance of Tanasi 1796, featuring actors, musicians, and multimedia on-screen presentations, was first presented on February 20, 2016 at the Clayton Center for the Arts on the Maryville College campus. All proceeds from sponsors, ticket sales, and on site contributions during the performance of Tanasi 1796 were for the benefit of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Cast of Actors & Musicians
(Alphabetical Order)
Captain Joseph Black Joseph Casterline
Reverend Samuel Doak Mark Halback
Cherokee Flute Randy McGinnis
Fiddle/Violin Conny Ottway
Attakullakulla Robert Rambo
Militiaman Andrew Evans Steve Ricker
Drummer Boy tbd
Production & Technical Assistance
Director Michael Kull
Logistics and Foyer Coordination Lynn Fox
Tanasi 1796 Marketing Andy Simon
Technical and Computer Assistance David Rasnake
Legal Robert Pitts
Consultant Michael Rogers
Editing Louise Crawford Berry
Cherokee Historians Mark and Sherry Finchum
Cherokee Historical Advisor Robert Rambo
Screen Writer Michael Kull
Clayton Center Executive Director Blake Smith
Technical Director David Rasnake
Clayton Center Marketing Cheri Compton
Lighting Designer Rachel
Executive Producer/Author David Black