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The play follows the settlers of the notorious Donner Party wagon train on their journey from Missouri to California along the California Trail in 1846. It highlights the series of bad decisions that led them to become snowbound in the Sierra Nevada, where half the party ultimately died of cold and starvation. "End of the Trail" picks up as the settlers reach the end of a river in the Nevada desert, and unwisely push onward into the Sierras and into a desperate fight for their lives. The play ends with the dramatic courtroom trial of a German immigrant and Donner Party survivor accused of cannibalism.
The performances also conclude a 26-year journey for Mayberry, who began writing the plays on and off in 1985 and completed them during a recent sabbatical. A native of Nevada who often visited Donner Lake with his family, Mayberry grew up fascinated by tales of the doomed wagon party. As he delved into research and historic accounts, he saw the stage as the perfect venue for the dramatic tale of tragedy and survival.
"History is always more interesting when we can locate it in individuals going through it," Mayberry said. "I think people will be surprised that the story of the Donners is far more interesting and complicated than anybody expects or than any of our state history textbooks represent."
Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for CI faculty and staff and free for CI students.
Tickets can be purchased by cash at the door or online through Brown Paper Tickets. Seating is limited, so getting tickets in advance is advised. Seating is general admission.
Limited parking ($6) is available on campus in designated spaces only. Upon arriving at the campus, please follow event parking signs. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the VISTA Bus to the campus; the fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.
For more information, contact Dr. Bob Mayberry, Associate Professor of English, at 805-437-2786 or bob.mayberry@csuci.edu.
Persons who, because of a special need or condition, would like to request an accommodation should contact Disability Resource Programs at (805) 437-3331 or email accommodations@csuci.edu as soon as possible, but no later than fifteen business days before the event, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Made possible by funding from CI Instructionally Related Activities
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LocationMalibu Hall Theatre on the Cal State Channel Islands Campus (View)
1 University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 12 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
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