Kenthedo Robinson‘s The Lewis & Clark Expedition: The Story of York Returns a Hero to His Rightful Place in American History

“If a man can become a slave, a slave can become a man.”

In 1804, a country in its infancy was determined to explore the uncharted land that would soon be part of its territory. The treacherous and dangerous journey was famously undertaken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, but few know of the man who accompanied them and was utterly essential to the success of the quest: York, an African-American enslaved by Clark.

York is portrayed with astonishing power and authenticity by Rommell Sermons, who we see discussing his being chosen for the expedition with his wife Reeva (Marsha St. Julien; portrayed later in the run by Zsay Moore). Reeva is deeply unhappy with the idea of York going into certain danger with his white oppressors. Though York is loyal to Clark (Nicholas Dodge) because “Clark is loyal to him”, Reeva is much more skeptical about the nature of the relationship, a foreshadowing that will lead to a devastating revelation at the end of the play. Indeed, Clark seems somewhat benevolent, especially in contrast to Lewis (Travis Bergmann). Lewis here is seen to be a raging bigot, seething with contempt for York and threatening him with the whip at every opportunity (despite not having the “authority” to do so), something his “master” Clark has never done. Lewis is out for fortune and glory while Clark purports to be more nobly motivated by the chance to grow and unite the young country.

“I hate you because you exist!” screams Lewis at York, forever paranoid that the slaves and the indigenous people they are about to displace will rise up against their oppressors. Though Clark appears to respect and even care for York, he still refers to him as property and refuses to agree to give him his freedom, only mumbling that he will “revisit” the notion upon their return. It becomes clear that Clark is only good to York because he needs him.

And York is indeed crucial to the treacherous journey, his intelligence, skills and strength proving indispensable. The indigenous tribes encountered are fascinated by York, having never seen a person of African descent before, astonished that his dark “paint” doesn’t wipe off. After a tense face-off with Chief Cameawaite (Kevin Leonard), it is shown that his very presence provides essential assistance to the expedition in their dealings with the Native Americans they encounter. The indigenous peoples are portrayed by a talented cast including Sebastian Arteta (Chief Anapae), James Oliver (Chief Tall Crow), LeeSandra Moore (Sonomo/Stage Manager) and Ms. D (Highshee/Assistant Stage Manager). As the journey continues, events are cleverly linked by Clark’s correspondence with his back-home brother John (Alex Silverman).

York saves the day at every turn, becoming an icon to the native tribes but taken for granted by his own team, who still see him as property. He cares for a very ill Clark; he looks after Sacagawea (Natasha Sahs), an indigenous teenager who assists the expedition and travels with them all the way to the Pacific Ocean; and even saves his nemesis Lewis from a bear attack, in a sequence that is fantastically realized through excellent choreography and sound design (Lighting/Sound Liam Riordan).

Lewis’ utter lack of gratitude and his doubling down on his profound hatred is a chilling reminder of the depths of white supremacy that are still in evidence over 200 years later.

York’s spiritual encounter with the One From The Mountain Top (Jimena Rosas) gives him agency, self-worth, and a sense of purpose that will prove crucial upon his return from the journey, as the play concludes in a sequence of horrifying but powerfully depicted events that reveal the fates of Lewis and Reeva, and destroy any notion of Clark being a good man—sometimes evil and bigotry is more subtle than that displayed by the raging Lewis (a fact that those watching in 2026 need to stay aware of). This is where the production is at its most moving, as York refuses to be dominated and oppressed any longer; his self-actualization as he rises from the horror around him creates a triumphant resolution.

Written and directed by Kenthedo Robinson (with assistant direction by Andre Minkins), The Lewis & Clark Expedition: The Story of York sets history right, putting the man who was known as “The Bear God” back into the narrative, pulled from the obscurity where the history books had unfairly but predictably relegated him. The three leads, and the always exceptional Leonard and Sahs, are a wonder to watch, abetted deftly by a supporting cast that gels beautifully and is clearly moved by the important story they’re here to tell.

“It is better to walk into freedom.”

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: The Story of York runs at the John Collum Theatre at the American Theatre of Actors through February 22. It is presented as part of the African American Playwrights Initiative at the ATA.

PHOTOS BY DAN LANE WILLIAMS