A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Star Quilter

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2w

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

When Luanne asks Mona, a member of the Assiniboine tribe, to make a star quilt for a senator, Mona agrees. But the gift's meaning is lost on its buyer. The Star Quilter explores the effect of consumerism on indigenous populations, asking whether integrity is more valuable than money.

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The Star Quilter

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

When Montana local Luanne Jorgensen asks Mona Gray, a member of the Assiniboine tribe, to make a star quilt for a senator, Mona agrees. But over time, Luanne and Mona's relationship begins to consume Mona's friends, family and wellbeing. The Star Quilter grapples with the effect consumerism has on indigenous populations, asking whether integrity is more valuable than money.

History
The Star Quilter was written in 1987 and first presented in a staged reading at the Crytsal Theatre in Missoula, MT under the direction of its author, William S. Yellow Robe, Jr., in 1988. It was produced in a radio broadcast by the BBC in their Radio Drama series in 1996. The play was also presented in a staged reading by New Jersey Repertory in Long Branch, NJ on May 24, 1999, directed by William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.
Keywords
Performing Groups
MONA GRAY – At the beginning of the play, a Native American woman in her thirties. Over the course of the play she ages.
LUANNE JORGENSEN – At the beginning of the play, a woman in her mid-thrites.

Native characters should always be played by Native actors. The production must know whether the Native actor is an enrolled member of their tribe or of descent, and if they live their life in community as a Native person, before casting. In no instance should someone who claims to be a Native actor but who has no tribal affiliation be cast in one of these roles.

  • Time Period 1990s, 1980s, 1970s, 1960s
  • Setting The home of Mona Gray. Living room. The late 1960s, in the fall on a weekday.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Cautions
    • Smoking

Media

“Provides a searing examination of family, culture and nation in the shadow of U.S. colonialism.” – American Theatre
“Explores many contemporary Native themes through a deft mixture of hard-bitten reality, humor light and dark, and a penetrating yet poignant dramatic vision.” – Native Peoples (on the anthology where the pavement ends: five Native American plays)

Videos

  • William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. on Indigenous Theatre – Brown University youtube thumbnail

    William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. on Indigenous Theatre – Brown University

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

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Authors

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

William Stanley Yellow Robe, Jr. (Assiniboine/Sioux) was a playwright, actor, director and teacher. He was a staunch advocate for Native and Indigenous playwrights, beloved by his students and revered by his audiences. His work has been produced around the United States and i ...

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