43 pages • 1 hour read
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64
Play • Fiction
Classroom • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fasthorse is a satirical comedy set in a high school classroom where drama teacher Logan, attempting to create a politically correct Thanksgiving play, involves her boyfriend Jaxton, elementary history teacher Caden, and actress Alicia, who all turn out to be white, leading to farcical efforts to craft a narrative that respects Indigenous perspectives without any Indigenous input. The play contains extensive discussions of anti-Indigenous racism and the genocide of Indigenous Americans and features an episode of anti-Indigenous mock violence and suicide.
Humorous
Challenging
806 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Larissa Fasthorse's The Thanksgiving Play is lauded for its sharp wit and incisive critique of performative allyship in theater. Critics appreciate its clever script and the nuanced way it tackles sensitive themes. However, some feel the humor sometimes undercuts the gravity of the issues. Overall, it's praised for its boldness and originality.
Readers who appreciate satirical comedy with a critical edge will enjoy The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fasthorse. Fans of works like David Mamet's Race and Tracy Letts' August: Osage County will find Fasthorse's sharp wit and exploration of cultural sensitivities engaging and thought-provoking.
806 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jaxton
A white, heterosexual, cisgender man involved in yoga and street performing, who sees himself as an actor and is known for his politically correct attitude and self-perceived social awareness.
Caden
An elementary school history teacher with ambitions in theater, who values historical accuracy and has been invited to a project as a history consultant while aspiring to be a playwright.
Alicia
A white actor from Los Angeles cast as an Indigenous American due to her appearance; she values the truth perceived by the audience and is noted for her contentedness and focus on the shallow aspects of acting.
64
Play • Fiction
Classroom • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
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