A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Sneaky

Full-Length Play, Dark Comedy  /  4m

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

The only way Frank, Eldon and Kermit know how to honor the memory of their late mother is to give her a proper Assiniboine burial. The only thing standing in their way? Her body is about to be prepared at the local funeral home.

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Sneaky

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Suggested Use
    • Monologues
    • Scene work
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
Three brothers – Frank, Eldon and Kermit – are dealing with the loss of their mother. The way they know how to honor her memory is to give her a traditional Assiniboine burial. The only thing standing in their way? Her body is already set for preperation at the local funeral home. A dark comedy about the lengths family will go to support each other.
History
Sneaky received a staged reading at The Public Theatre in the spring of 1995. The play was produced twice by the Wakiknabe Theatre Company, once in the fall of 1998 under the direction of Rhiana Yazzie and again at the Taos Arts Association in Taos, NM in January 1999 under the direction of Rhiana Yazzie.
Cast Attributes
Performing Groups
FRANK ROSE – In his mid-30s, the eldest son.
ELDON ROSE – In his early 30s, the middle brother of the family.
KERMIT ROSE – In his early 30s, the baby of the family.
JACK KENCE – A white male in his early 40s, the second generation owner of a funeral home.

Native characters should always be played by Native actors. The production must know whether the Native actor is an enrolled member of their tribe or of descent, and if they live their life in community as a Native person, before casting. In no instance should someone who claims to be a Native actor but who has no tribal affiliation be cast in one of these roles.

  • Time Period 1990s
  • Setting A yard outside the Rose house. Jack Kence's funeral home. The clearing of meadow.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Physical Comedy
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Strong Language

Media

“Provides a searing examination of family, culture and nation in the shadow of U.S. colonialism.” – American Theatre
“Explores many contemporary Native themes through a deft mixture of hard-bitten reality, humor light and dark, and a penetrating yet poignant dramatic vision.” – Native Peoples (on the anthology where the pavement ends: five Native American plays)

Videos

  • Sneaky - New Native Theatre 2016 Summer Tour youtube thumbnail

    Sneaky - New Native Theatre 2016 Summer Tour

  • William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. on Indigenous Theatre – Brown University youtube thumbnail

    William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. on Indigenous Theatre – Brown University

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

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Authors

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

William Stanley Yellow Robe, Jr. (Assiniboine/Sioux) was a playwright, actor, director and teacher. He was a staunch advocate for Native and Indigenous playwrights, beloved by his students and revered by his audiences. His work has been produced around the United States and i ...

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