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WOUNDED
WOUNDED is a ghost story. It explores a volatile (fictional) love triangle inspired by true events surrounding the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
On December 29, 1890, U.S. Army soldiers killed between 200 -300 Lakota (accounts vary) who were being moved onto the Pine Ridge Reservation. This event is considered the final blow by white settlers to the Lakota Nation in the 60+ years of the Indian Wars.
On December 29, 1890, U.S. Army soldiers killed between 200 -300 Lakota (accounts vary) who were being moved onto the Pine Ridge Reservation. This event is considered the final blow by white settlers to the Lakota Nation in the 60+ years of the Indian Wars.
4 Men - 2 Women - 1 Lakota drummer
Running Time: ~2 hours (plus intermission)
Photos from thesis production of Wounded
CalArts 2011
Running Time: ~2 hours (plus intermission)
Photos from thesis production of Wounded
CalArts 2011
Inspiration for WOUNDED
I grew up in Brookings, South Dakota. When I left home at 18 for college and life pursuits, I was frustrated at how little Americans knew about the Indian Wars and what happened at Wounded Knee. I've spent many years researching as well as writing this play.
Besides telling a good 'ol rough-n-tumble, shoot-'em-up Western, I wanted to write something that tackled that important time in history when America was still wild in some ways but striving to be civilized in others. I wanted to write about the things we sacrifice both personally and as a nation in the name of progress.
Most importantly, I wanted to pay tribute to the beautiful Lakota language and traditions jeopardized and nearly made extinct by the expansion of settlers onto the prairies.
I grew up in Brookings, South Dakota. When I left home at 18 for college and life pursuits, I was frustrated at how little Americans knew about the Indian Wars and what happened at Wounded Knee. I've spent many years researching as well as writing this play.
Besides telling a good 'ol rough-n-tumble, shoot-'em-up Western, I wanted to write something that tackled that important time in history when America was still wild in some ways but striving to be civilized in others. I wanted to write about the things we sacrifice both personally and as a nation in the name of progress.
Most importantly, I wanted to pay tribute to the beautiful Lakota language and traditions jeopardized and nearly made extinct by the expansion of settlers onto the prairies.
Synopsis
Joseph and Jesse Hill live an idyllic life, isolated and in love on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. They help Joseph's Lakota friends (Tanka and Fawn) with illegal firearms, food and other supplies as the tribes are relocated by the U.S. Army. But Jesse has left behind an evil past that now comes looking for her in the form of con-man Cash Wehlun. Jesse stole a large sum of money and Cash wants it back. He also wants her.
As the Army tightens its grip on the Lakota, Jesse is forced to find a way to rid herself of Cash once and for all, while preserving her perfect marriage with Joseph. When the soldiers shoot to kill at Wounded Knee, the ghosts of the Lakota seep into the lives of the living. Jesse and Joseph make choices that will either lead to their ruin or deliver them into prosperity...but something is certainly lost along the way.
Joseph and Jesse Hill live an idyllic life, isolated and in love on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. They help Joseph's Lakota friends (Tanka and Fawn) with illegal firearms, food and other supplies as the tribes are relocated by the U.S. Army. But Jesse has left behind an evil past that now comes looking for her in the form of con-man Cash Wehlun. Jesse stole a large sum of money and Cash wants it back. He also wants her.
As the Army tightens its grip on the Lakota, Jesse is forced to find a way to rid herself of Cash once and for all, while preserving her perfect marriage with Joseph. When the soldiers shoot to kill at Wounded Knee, the ghosts of the Lakota seep into the lives of the living. Jesse and Joseph make choices that will either lead to their ruin or deliver them into prosperity...but something is certainly lost along the way.
