Indians (Masterplots II: Drama, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Arthur Kopit
- First Published: 1969
- Type of Plot: Social realism
- Time of Work: The late nineteenth century
- Setting: The Wild West and Washington, D.C.
- Principal Characters: Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok, Annie Oakley, Sitting Bull, John Grass, Geronimo, Spotted Tail, Senator Logan, Senator Dawes, Senator Morgan, Ol’ Time President, Ned Buntline
- Genres: Social realism, Drama, Problem play, Absurdist literature, History play
- Subjects: Racism, Nineteenth century, Betrayal, West, U.S., Native Americans or American Indians, Washington, D.C., Politicians
- Locales: Washington, D.C., West (U.S.)
The Play
In the opening scene of Indians, a buffalo skull, a bloodstained Indian shirt, and an old rifle serve to provide historical atmosphere as Buffalo Bill Cody enters, riding an artificial stallion. At once, the audience learns that it is seeing a rendition of Buffalo Bill’s famous “Wild West Show.” Indians, too, are present; Cody claims to them, to the audience, and to himself that “I believe I . . . am a . . . hero . . . A GODDAM HERO!”
The next scene is set outdoors in the winter, somewhere in the West. Sitting Bull and other chieftains greet...
[The entire page is 2645 words long]
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