A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Rez Politics

Short Play, Drama  /  2boy(s)

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

Two boys fight over one another's mixed-race heritage.

Rez Politics

Request licence
Get the Script
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2boy(s)
  • Duration
    Duration
    10 minutes
  • Suggested Use
    • Scene Work
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

In a field in Montana, two ten-year-old boys are fighting over their perception of one another's mixed-race heritage. Gerald comes from Black American Indian heritage, and Curtis comes from white American Indian heritage. As the boys fight, they reveal more about their family's lives. Rez Politics wrestles with internalized racism and cost of social division on young people.

History
Rez Politics was written in the spring of 1997 and presented that summer in a play reading series sponsored by the Wakiknabe Theatre Company in Albuquerque, NM, directed by associate Artistic director Linda Gilbert. The play was later produced by the Wakiknabe Theatre Company, directed by Faith Lane.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
CURTIS – A large boy, white American Indian, about ten
GERALD – Smaller in size, Black American Indian, about ten

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 1970s
  • Setting

    A dry field in Montana. Early 1970s. Afternoon.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration 10 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language

Media

“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

  • 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: £30 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
Get the Script

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

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 ...

View full profile

Now Playing

Related