by Mar°a B. Del R°o
Daily Lobo
"Indian Radio Days: An Evolving Bingo Experience" showcases the talents of UNM's theater community and opens tonight at the Theatre X.
Written by LeAnne Howe and Roxy Gordon, "Indian Radio Days" is a satirical look at how American Indian history has been stereotyped, romanticized and misinterpreted. "Indian Radio Days" is finely acted and well directed. From the opening of the "First American Indian" to the closing of "Indians in Space," the play is filled to the brim with hilarity.
Under all of the comedy is a more serious view on the portrayal of American Indian history. Clumsy and rather unaware, the radio narrator, played by Melissa Conrad, interviews several characters.
What the audience gets is a culmination of misinterpreted histories that have led to the false perception of American Indians.
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Choctaw writers Howe and Gordon poke fun at the way American Indians view themselves, historical images of Indian leaders and the great philanthropist's contradiction.
Director of "Indian Radio Days" Reiko Yazzie is no rookie when it comes to theater. Yazzie has been involved in a number of plays, acting and directing, for the past two years. Her previous directing work includes a few short student-written plays for UNM's Words Afire Play Festival.
Daily Lobo: Do you always deal with Native American issues in all your work?
Reiko Yazzie: No. I have tried to choose plays that speak to audiences from a common human perspective.
DL: Does this production confront the misinterpretation of Native American history by historians?
RY: I tried to create a play that will show the audience these interviews in such a way that they will walk away with their own interpretations, rather than my specific viewpoint.
DL: Has Native American history also been romanticized?
RY: This is a great question. Definitely, Indians have been romanticized throughout history and continue to be. The history of the United States and Indians will continue to be one of controversy.
Some people agree that the treatment, colonization and mass assimilation of Indians was wrong yet, ironically, some of these very same people support high school, collegiate and professional sports teams that are named after Indian tribes, for example, the Atlanta Braves.
Many tribes are fighting to stop the use of Indian images and names in such a stereotypical, degrading way. Indians are such an interesting part of U.S. history that most people learn about them through textbooks and movies, which perpetuates stereotypes and romanticism. People throughout the world forget that even today Indians exist.
DL: With the exception of obvious parts that are written for non-Native Americans, why didn't you choose Native American actors to play the roles?
RY: This is a question I knew I would be asked. With the eclectic, multi-racial cast I chose, I'm still being asked.
DL: How did you choose the music for IRD?
RY: It was a long, collective process. Basically, I chose music based on the words and emotions of the songs.
DL: Do you listen to actual Native American radio, such as National Public Radio's "Native America Calling?"
RY: Yes, I have listened to NAC. It is definitely a wonderful medium to tap into. More power to them!
"Indian Radio Days" will run through Saturday. The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for general admission, $5 for students and are available at the UNM ticket office.
