Pink Man by Marty Strenczewilk

Pink Man is a semi-autobiographical journey of self-discovery that follows one American Indian as he battles tradition, stereotypes and himself. With mixed blood and white features, he faces constant internal and external struggles. As he revisits the formative stages of his life, we watch him grapple with expectations, self doubt, and finding acceptance.

The play utilizes Ojibwe traditions for...
Pink Man is a semi-autobiographical journey of self-discovery that follows one American Indian as he battles tradition, stereotypes and himself. With mixed blood and white features, he faces constant internal and external struggles. As he revisits the formative stages of his life, we watch him grapple with expectations, self doubt, and finding acceptance.

The play utilizes Ojibwe traditions for storytelling while putting a clear focus on the various ways that our native American culture has been weathered away over time.

Being red is terrifying. Being white feels fraudulent. So, the Indian finds himself forced to live in the pink.
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Pink Man

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow:
    3 Jan. 2023
    “ A complex and super theatrical exploration of identity, home, and feeling like you exist in a liminal space with regards to both of those things. I've read several drafts of this as part of a playwright's group and I've loved seeing its developmental journey. The theatrical tools used to communicate the story have become so much more focused and potent, as has the central arc of the Pink Man. Clever usage of chorus, a compelling trickster story facilitator, and lots of opportunity for community engagement and unconventional use of theatrical space are just a few additional strengths. ”

Character Information

The chorus can flex in size to meet the needs of the production. It can be done with as few as four, but ideally is six or more.

  • Indian
    30-45,
    Native American (Any Tribe), Indigenous
    ,
    Male
    Light skinned
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Nanabozho, The Trickster
    Ageless,
    Native American (Any Tribe)
    ,
    Androgynous, Agender/Non-binary, Almost any gender
    The traditional coyote/rabbit/raven, always causing problems to entertain themself. The guide for the journey. Androgynous. Dark skin.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Native Chorus
    any,
    Any
    ,
    Both Male and Female
    A native flavored traditional Greek chorus. They create the various worlds we visit. Mix of race/gender/age. Size of chorus can flex per production, with a minimum of four.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    BETC
    ,
    2022
  • Reading
    ,
    The Barrow Group
    ,
    2021

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Illinois State University
    ,
    2023

Awards

Winner
,
Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative
,
The Crossroads Project - Illinois State University
,
2023
Finalist
,
Emerging Artist Festival
,
Renaissance Theatre
,
2023