Life on the Rez at Whitefire Theatre

Rez for the uninitiated, is slang for Indian reservation. Luella, a Los Angeles-based longtime educator, suddenly finds herself without employment in a tight job market. Following an extensive search, she finds that the only job available to her is a one-year contract at St. Labre Indian School, a Catholic institution on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana. With the help of a friend and a U-Haul, she makes the move from L.A. to her new situation in Montana, where there will be no car, no Internet, no Starbucks, and where she will be asked to endure sub-zero temperatures.She at first encounters resentment from her Native American students (who prefer the appellation Indians). She is, after all, one more white intruder. But, she makes an honest attempt to educate herself in Native American culture and history.In the end, she will win the respect of her students, because she will never give up on them. In return, they do not give up on her.Written and performed by Luella Wagner. Directed by Bryan Rasmussen. Musical accompaniment by Joe Vasquez (Blackfoot).
Ages: 12 to adult.