For many Americans, Thanksgiving Day starts a long holiday weekend, shared with family and friends. The Macy’s parade, Westminster Dog Show, and NFL football keep our dedicated eaters/dishwashers occupied and entertained while the family chefs prepare a feast both savory and sweet until at last everyone sits down for dinner, stopping briefly for a blessing or to take turns sharing around the table what we’re each grateful for this year.
As with many of our national holidays, we derive a fair amount of our celebrations from our collective stories and culture; part history, part myth, and over time they transform into our traditions and beliefs.
These histories and traditions are taught in the home and at school. But which parts are myths? Which parts are historically accurate? If we’re a teacher, what’s appropriate and for which ages?
These are some of the questions posed by Larissa FastHorse’s wonderfully crafted satirical comedy. But as with most true art, it’s designed to raise more questions than it answers. My hope is we leave challenged to consider the sources and origins of our long-held traditions and observances, and perhaps be moved to discover things that could be better and more fully (re)learned.
Jenny Cross, Director
