Larissa FastHorse on Indigenizing Theatre

Originally published by HowlRound on June 6, 2023.

A woman with wildly tousled hair steps out from behind two upright card tables.
Katie Finneran in The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse at Second Stage Theater. Directed by Rachel Chavkin. Scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez. Costume design by Lux Haac. Lighting design by Jeanette Oui-Suk Yew. Sound design by Mikaal Sulaiman. Video/projection design by David Bengali. Photo by Joan Marcus.

This year, Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota) became the first Indigenous woman writer with a play on Broadway with her “comedy within a satire,” The Thanksgiving Play. In it, a group of mostly well-meaning white educators and actors attempt to devise a Thanksgiving production to be performed for students. Curious about Broadway reception of Larissa’s oft-produced play, feminist critic Holly L. Derr spoke to her via Zoom about The Thanksgiving Play, her next few projects, and her use of satire to create change.

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