Acclaimed playwright and scholar, Kenthedo Robinson, announces the premiere of his latest work, The Lewis & Clark Expedition: The Story of York. This powerful historical drama shifts the lens of American exploration to the margins of the map, bringing into focus York—the enslaved man whose strength and skill were essential to the Corps of Discovery’s survival, yet who was nearly erased from its legacy.

The production will run from February 11 through February 22 at the John Cullum Stage at American Theatre of Actors, located at 314 W. 54th Street, New York City.

A Global Perspective on the American Frontier
Set in 1804, YORK contextualizes the expedition within a global reckoning. Robinson highlights the profound influence of the Haitian Revolution; Napoleon’s defeat by Toussaint Louverture’s forces compelled the French to abandon their North American ambitions, leading to the Louisiana Purchase. Against this backdrop of “fear and possibility,” the play explores the intersection of Native nations and enslaved Africans at the birth of a nation.

From Enslaved Man to “The Bear God”
While traditional history emphasizes the leadership of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Robinson’s work centers on York’s “strength, skill, and presence.” To many Native tribes who had never seen a person of African descent, York was a figure of mythic proportions, revered as “The Bear God.” The play explores the agonizing paradox of York’s life: a man celebrated as a deity in the wilderness, yet legally bound as property within the expedition.

A Lifetime of Research
Through YORK, Kenthedo Robinson performs a profound act of historical reclamation. A seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience, Robinson spent decades cultivating “boxes” of physical archives, maps, and records. His research journey even took him to the Smithsonian to examine the original journals of the expedition.
“I have boxes that I collected over the years… maps, and books on the Lewis and Clark expedition,” says Robinson. “This story reclaims the voice of a man long relegated to the margins.”

Performance Schedule & Ticket Information
Previews: Feb 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm
Main Run: Feb 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 pm
Matinees: Feb 15 and 22 at 3:30 pm

About the American Theatre of Actors (ATA)
The American Theatre of Actors was founded in 1976 by James Jennings, who continues as its President and Artistic Director. Its purpose is to promote the development of new playwrights, directors and actors and provide them a creative atmosphere in which to work without the pressures of commercial theatre.
Over 1000 new works have been presented and more than 11,000 actors have worked at A.T.A., including Dennis Quaid, Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Dan Lauria, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin O’Connor, William Fichtner, Edie Falco and Kathryn Hahn.
President: James Jennings
Vice President: Jane Culley
Exec Director: Jessica Jennings