A roast of the politics of entertainment and well-meaning political correctness alike, The Thanksgiving Play by Native American playwright Larissa FastHorse, puts the American origin story itself in the comedy crosshairs.
Theatre Fairfield, Fairfield University’s resident production company, will open its 2021-2022 season with The Thanksgiving Play written by Native American playwright Larissa FastHorse. It is a one-act satirical comedy about four white people trying to devise a politically correct First Thanksgiving play to perform in elementary schools during Native American Heritage Month. The production will be performed live for an in-person audience as well as streamed virtually.
Directed by Jackob G. Hofmann, a returning guest artist of Theatre Fairfield as well as a New York City-based director and playwright, The Thanksgiving Play "is a satire for our times,” according to Hofmann. "I personally see the play as a 'call to action' for audiences as they witness hysterical yet cringeworthy performative moments on stage as [the] characters fumble through the minefields of their own 'wokeness' and white privilege.”
Packed with "uproarious side-splitting performances," said Hofmann, Theatre Fairfield's fall production promises to bring audiences "an unforgettable evening of hilarious theatre as well as the unique opportunity to face our own shortcomings as a society."
The The Thanksgiving Play cast features Tracy Ferguson '22, Carlin Fournier '22, Jay Martins '22, Kai Halm '24, Emily Sheridan '24, Angelo Corsini '25, and Nora Jacobi '25. The production’s artistic team includes producer Martha S. LoMonaco, PhD, professor of theatre in the College of Arts and Sciences; scenic designer Jessie Lizzote, costume designer and props manager Julie Leavitt-Learson, MFA, technical director Anne Kendall, stage manager Lillie Kortrey '23, and assistant stage manager Angelo Corsini '25.
The Thanksgiving Play will be performed Wednesday, Oct. 20 through Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 23, and Sunday, October 24. Performances will be held in person in the Wein Black Box in the Quick Center for the Arts on Fairfield's campus and are open to vaccinated, masked patrons, or patrons who produce a negative Covid test. Read more about "pod seating" and Covid protocals here. Performances will also be streamed virtually on YouTube. When patrons purchase a ticket for the digital show, they will then be sent a YouTube link via email on the day of the performance. Theatre Fairfield will have technical support on call to assist as needed.
Tickets are now on sale at the Quick Center Box Office: $10 general admission, $5 for all students. Call the Box Office at (203) 254-4010 or buy tickets online.
