GCC’s Forum Players present The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse in the Stuart Steiner Theatre on November 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m. The play is approximately 90 minutes long.
In this hilariously funny satirical play, positive intentions collide with absurd assumptions. As a terminally “woke” teacher, Logan, a high school drama teacher/actor, enlists the help of some interesting characters – Caden, an elementary school history teacher (frustrated, aspiring playwright and actor); Jaxton, a yoga practitioner/actor (politically correct to a fault); and Alicia, a simplistic actress (who has a knack for being painfully honest) – to create a school pageant for children that somehow celebrates Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month, or do they? Find out when you take the journey that is The Thanksgiving Play.
Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow, award-winning writer/choreographer, and co-founder of Indigenous Direction, the nation’s leading consulting company for Indigenous arts and audiences. Her satirical comedy, The Thanksgiving Play (Playwrights Horizons/Geffen Playhouse), is one of America’s top ten most produced plays. She is the first Native American playwright in American theater history on that list. The play recently had a short run on Broadway, being the “critics pick” in the New York Times.
Director Jaime Arena wanted to approach this play with compassion for the Native American tribes and their history. She didn’t want to lose the satirical aspect, while wanting to give voice to those at the center of the story. Jaime enlisted Karlie Jones, who is Cayuga, to help. Jones said, “Director Jaime Arena and I have been longtime friends since 2005, and she asked for my input/direction on this piece. Not much is needed to give – Larissa FastHorse hits all the right notes, showcasing a “woke” society wanting to help minority groups in the best way possible and navigating their way to the best answer. Giving space for us to be heard and proving appreciation without appropriation is possible. The conversation of our cultural stereotypes must be heard; this play gives us a chance to voice the current climate of our Indigenous struggles.”
Be advised that the play includes moments depicting historical violence.
Tickets can be purchased on the Genesee Community College website under the ‘Center for the Arts’ tab: https://www.genesee.edu/campus-life/center-for-the-arts/ General admission is $10. Qualifying discounted tickets (GCC staff and faculty, seniors 55+, children under 16, non-GCC students) are $5. Admission is free for GCC students who present their ID at the box office. Contact the Box Office with any questions by emailing boxoffice@genesee.edu or calling 343-0055 ext. 6490.
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