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City of Shadows

Play

Overview

Synopsis

City of Shadows is the fourth and final play in Daniel David Moses’ series of “city” plays that bridge the supernatural spiritual world and contemporary urban Indigenous experience. Six Indians haunt the edges of the city at night, looking for a way to redeem their past lives. All died in mysterious or tragic circumstances and, by retelling and weaving their stories around each other, they attempt to make sense of their lives and loves, and finally find peace. With innovative use of light, sound, and overlapping lines, City of Shadows closes the door on Moses’ tribute to the realities of an Indigenous family surviving in the fast-paced, big city.

Note: Due to the unconventional, almost musical nature of this play, we highly recommend reading the first plays in the series before City of Shadows: Coyote City, Big Buck City, and Kyotopolis

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1995
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A street in the city in the land of shadows, A reserve between waking and dreams
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
College/University, Diverse Cast, Regional Theatre, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in City of Shadows.

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Indigenous peoples of Canada, whose oral storytelling and ceremonial practices contribute richly to contemporary theatre.

    Refers to the original peoples of a region; their performance traditions often include ritual, storytelling, and dance.

Quizzes

Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher