By ELENA HIGGINS

SANTA FE—The Aryan Nation’s belief of “racial purity” sparked creative writing student Vicki Morigeau’s play, “Ditched,” which addresses racism and discrimination. Performed by IAIA community-based theater troupe, "Cool Side of Hell," the play premiered May 5 at the LTC Auditorium.

Morigeau was propelled to combine her English and dramatic writing assignments to write about her chosen topic, racism.

“I asked both my lecturers if I could write a play about the issue,” Morigeau said. “Both lecturers agreed that would be a great idea. I thought I would narrow it down and pick a group

“Ditched” In The Making

Morigeau grew up in Montana on the Flathead reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. “I was familiar with the Aryan Nation Neighbors,” Morigeau said. “The main character, Louis, is based on a real person. His daughter, Tiffany, is semi-fictional.”

“Ditched,” a one-act play, is set on the Flathead reservation in 1976. The tribal chairman’s daughter is kidnapped by the Aryan Nation. The cast of 11 actors deals with hate and racial intolerance.
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Adjunct Terry Gomez, now in her fourth year teaching theater, gave Morigeau the opportunity to have her play produced. “Ditched” is Gomez’s ninth "Cool Side of Hell” production.

Script Ideas

According to Gomez, this play is a work-in-progress, and is being produced to encourage Morigeau to work more on the story. Gomez, along with Jon Davis, creative writing faculty, and Ishmael A. Antar, co-producer and creative writing student, gave Morigeau feedback and ideas for the script.

“Now, many people would not put a work-in-progress on the stage. However, anytime that we are able to say something positive to our people is an opportunity that we shouldn't miss,” said Gomez. “Playwright Vicki Morigeau has done the re-writes and taken critiques from everyone with such grace and patience. She has given us ‘Ditched,’ which deals with serious matters—racism, terrorism, homophobia—and has been able to see hope and humor within.”

Indifferences Within Our Cultures

“There is still a boundary where some Native Americans accept homosexuality and some don’t, especially in age difference. Older people aren’t as tolerant as our younger generations,” Morigeau said. “I didn’t want to hit only on one type of intolerance, as there are a lot of differences within our own cultures.”

Morigeau is both excited and scared. “I am scared, as the play touches on racism. In a class, we read Drew Hayden Taylor’s play, ‘Alter-Native.’ It, too, is about racism and Native American history verses anthropology. On his recent visit, he told us he had bomb threats as a result of writing the play,” Morigeau said.

“On the other hand, I am excited as I am actually putting an issue out there,” she said. I believe it needs to be addressed, as it is still there and it is still real.”
Use Your Art To Speak Out
Gomez pointed out that hatred and violence were inflicted on our ancestors, and in some instances are still happening to many Indigenous peoples. “As artists, we are given that chance to stand today, holding ink pens and paintbrushes, mikes and guitars, cameras, sculpting tools and keyboard mice in our hands. Use your art to speak out! Say no to war! Stop the hate and violence!” she said.
Gomez believes strongly in "Cool Side of Hell" Theater Troupe as a community-based theater. “This means that we produce innovative work that speaks to our surrounding Indian communities and to what is relevant to our people at this point in time. Of course, these stories and thoughts are sent out not only to indigenous people, but to anyone else who is interested in what Indians have to say.”

 

 

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