The Thanksgiving Play
Dates:
November – 09, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19 – 2023
Directed by:
Sean Dillon
Production Team:
Director – Sean Dillon
Stage Manager – Giselle Morales
Assistant Stage Managers – Aylin Guzman, Juanita Scott
Technical Director – Alan Tollefson
Scenic Designer – Alan Tollefson
Costume Designer – Aleena Maestas
Lighting Designer – Jonny Champion
Prop Master – Victoria Gaspar
Publicity – Samantha Miller
Stagehands – Ashley Sendejas, Savannah Noriega
Lighting Board Operator – Emily Lick
Front of House – Alana Traylor. Mya Traylor
Cast:
Reese Oliver – Logan
Mario Aguayo – Jaxton
Robby Meredith – Caden
Alexandria Peters – Alicia
Short Synopsis:
The play unfolds around four white individuals who embark on the ambitious task of crafting a culturally sensitive First Thanksgiving performance for Native American Heritage Month in schools. In their quest for authenticity, they enlist the guidance of a Native American actor, only to later discover that she is, in fact, white and often takes on Native American roles while also portraying other ethnicities. Throughout the narrative, prevalent themes of privilege, historical accuracy, and the protagonists’ struggles in navigating these intricate dynamics take center stage.
“The Thanksgiving Play” is designed to prompt introspection, employing an entirely Caucasian cast to construct a performance that respectfully and politically correctly portrays Native Americans. Larissa FastHorse, the playwright, drew inspiration from her own challenges in casting Native American actors for previous works. Infused with satire and humor, the play tackles critical issues such as the misrepresentation of Native Americans, the scarcity of indigenous casting, and the formidable hurdles in authentically depicting indigenous people in the fabric of American society.
