The biggest strength of this inconsistent production is the movement work of the ensemble - embodying Indians and Buffalos with moving and imaginative physical work, and the help of ingenious costume design. The horse that Buffalo Bill rides at the beginning of the play is very cleverly constructed of four actors, and sets up expectations for the style of the piece which sadly are not fulfilled.

There's a need to be articulate, project and enunciate clearly, and so make the plot understandable. All too often Buffalo Bill's (Brent Curriden) speech is unclear and garbled, and this is a severe detriment to the success of the play.

A caustic look at a dark period in US history, Indians has a non-linear plot. A newcomer to the play would probably not find this production clear enough in terms of plot to be wholly comprehensible. Through the exploits and life of Buffalo Bill, the play deals with the treatment of American Indians in their own country - hounded onto reservations, deceived with treaties and broken promises, their precious buffalo slaughtered and their way of life desiccated. But in the hands of this company, the narrative is confusing and playwright Arthur Kopit's theatrical devices are less illuminating than surreal.

The confrontation between the senators (Cecilia McKinnon, Brittnee Walsh) is well portrayed. Sitting Bull (Cole Eubanks) gives a compelling performance, clearly understanding the powerful symbolism of his role. Nathalie Sheen's First Lady is coy and amusing and as an actor she clearly understands the importance of reacting as a key component of performance. The costumes are well done and the lighting scheme is creative and enhances a very minimalist set.

But the vital messages of the play are lost. The contradictions of perception - that one side's overwhelming victory is another's massacre; mythologising of how the West was won; the travesty of instigating cultural change through great suffering - were belied by the difficulties that the production encountered. The play is also billed as a Vietnam allegory but this is not clear through this production - and more contemporary references to the travesty of war are not developed. A disappointment for both audience and cast.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Marissa Clifford - 2nd Reporter. Brent Curriden - Buffalo Bill. Shianne ColoneBlundo - Interpreter. Cole Eubanks - Sitting Bull. Michael Gregg - Grand Duke Alexis / Uncas / Billy the Kid. Nikki Hunter - Buffalo. Johnny Kessler - Wild Bill Hickok. Jera Lewis - Buffalo / 1st Reporter. Kristen Lozano - Buffalo / Teskanjavila / Conchita. Cecilia McKinnon - Senator Morgan. Nora McKinnon - Ned Buntline / Indian Puppeteer. Gordon Munch - John Grass / Indian Puppeteer. Eva Pagaling - Spotted Tail / Chief Joseph. Charlotte Porter - Lieutenant. Jake Roper - Ol' Time President / Jesse James / Colonel Forsyth. Katie Rhodes - Indian Puppeteer. Natalee Shean - Buffalo / First Lady / Indian Puppeteer. Brittnee Walsh - Senator Logan.

Company Credits: Writer - Arthur Kopit. Director / Designer - Jeff McKinnon. Puppets & Indian Mask Designers - Jeff McKinnon & Karina Puente. Buffalo Mask Designer / Poster Designer - Karina Puente. Costumes - Tatiana Dascomb. Music - Gary Foshee. Light and Sound - Scott McBeth & Guillermo Solozano. Producer - uncredited. Company - The Theatre Group of Santa Ynez High School California. Company - The American High School Theatre Festival.

END

(c) Ruth Stanley 2008

reviewed Thursday 14 August 2008 / Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com