When Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of the hit TV series “Reservation Dogs,” and his fellow members of The 1491s, a sketch comedy troupe, embarked on writing their first play, they approached it with the same wittiness they brought to their YouTube shorts. In a recent episode of “Stagecraft,” Variety’s theater podcast, Harjo discussed the creation of their play, “Between Two Knees,” which debuted at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2019, coinciding with the initial sale of “Reservation Dogs” to FX.
A Comedic Journey Through History
“Between Two Knees” tells the story of multiple generations of a Native American family, from the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 to the American Indian Movement’s occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. The play, filled with uproarious scenes, will make its New York premiere at the Perelman Arts Center next month.
Translating Sketch Comedy to the Stage
The creative process for “Between Two Knees” mirrored the group’s approach to sketch comedy. They brainstormed on the fly, testing what humor resonated with them and then delving into the dramatic aspects to humanize the characters. This collaboration was a departure from the group’s usual comedic work, as they explored new ways of storytelling.
Challenging Non-Native Audiences
Harjo and Wilson recognized the need to engage non-Native theater audiences while staying true to their own perspectives. While “Reservation Dogs” primarily targets Native people, the play aimed to challenge and connect with non-Native viewers. The duo acknowledged that theater spaces have historically been exclusionary for Native people, making their storytelling all the more important.
Unveiling the Truth through Comedy
“Between Two Knees” fearlessly confronts the darkest chapters in Native American history. For Harjo, honesty in storytelling is crucial. “I don’t have a philosophy of comedy, but there’s something about telling the truth that cuts through everything,” he shared. Drawing from this experience, Harjo hinted at his future plans, expressing a desire to write another play, possibly a humorous American drama that could contend for the Pulitzer Prize.
To listen to the full conversation between Harjo and Wilson, tune in to the “Stagecraft” podcast on F5mag.com. “Stagecraft” releases new episodes every other week.