Indian Giver

by Marty Strenczewilk

Claire, A white non-profit vet acquires the resources to build a new organization to tackle addiction on reservations, IndigiHope.

Jodi, a young, mixed Native/white business mogul, is determined to join the cause come hell or high water, though she doesn’t say why.

As IndigiHope is launched into the stratosphere, with huge fundraising and growth, Jodi finds herself constantly having to speak for all Natives...

Claire, A white non-profit vet acquires the resources to build a new organization to tackle addiction on reservations, IndigiHope.

Jodi, a young, mixed Native/white business mogul, is determined to join the cause come hell or high water, though she doesn’t say why.

As IndigiHope is launched into the stratosphere, with huge fundraising and growth, Jodi finds herself constantly having to speak for all Natives, code switch, and make increasingly personal sacrifices.

As the house of cards comes tumbling down, Jodi must navigate the multiple identities of a mixed race person in the nonprofit industrial complex, and Claire must find a way to genuinely support her friend through it all without selling her out.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Indian Giver

Character Information

Skin color is not a focus in this play and as such, none of the characters should be cast based on how "light" or "dark" they are.
  • Claire
    Very liberal. Empty nester. Lifetime of successful work in nonprofits, for causes she truly cares about.
    50's-60's
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Jodi
    American Indian and white, skin color isn't important. Grew up outside her culture.
    late 20's to 30's
    Indigenous/Native American/First Nations
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Brandon
    Jodi's older brother. American Indian. He "looks Indian", whatever that means, and should be physically larger than Jodi.
    30's to 40's
    Indigenous/Native American/First Nations
    Male,
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Workshop, First Storytellers Festival, 2024
  • Reading, Creative Nations, 2022

Awards

  • Local Lab
    Local Theater Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • Boiler Room Series
    Keegan Theatre
    Finalist
    2023