Last week, Chris Bainbridge gave you a taste of Shakespeare at North Carolina’s longest-running theatre company. Well, get ready for more amazing theatrical productions but with a twist. Check out “Unto These Hills,” a heart-pounding drama that’s more than a play. It’s the story of a people.

You can catch “Unto These Hills” at the Cherokee Mountainside Theatre, located in the heart of this historic capital within the Qualla Boundary—the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Western North Carolina. Cultural attractions like the Oconaluftee Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and “Unto These Hills” are all a part of the historical mission to share the powerful story of the Cherokee people with visitors.

There is something here for everyone. The play tells the story of the Cherokee people, from dramatic battles to poignant moments of family and the infamous Trail of Tears, which is the tragic tale of the forced removal of the Cherokee people in the 1800s.

The first performance of “Unto These Hills” took place in 1950. More than 70 years later, it’s still going strong. While this show is entertaining, it also educates you on the triumphant history of how the Cherokee stayed in their homeland and thrived to this day.

The eternal flame was carried to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears and found its new home here in 1951. The Cherokee believe that as long as the eternal flame flickers, they will survive as a people. As you enter the theatre, you’ll find the place still burning brightly. Fun fact—more than 6 million people have crossed this threshold to visit “Unto These Hills” over the years.

The theatre seats over 2,000 people, and the show runs Monday through Saturday, with some matinee performances mixed in through July. Whenever you choose to visit, you’re guaranteed to be delighted by this compelling story told in a beautiful outdoor setting.

“Unto These Hills” runs every summer. This year, the season ends on August 14, so get your tickets while you can by visiting cherokeehistorical.org, and get ready for a show to remember.

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