Indian Princesses

by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez

In the summer of 2008, five young girls of color and their white fathers attend a program designed to bond families through handmade activities, camp-like adventures, and a heavy dose of cultural appropriation. But where can these girls turn when the program sparks questions that their fathers are unable – or unwilling – to answer? Inspired by the playwright’s experiences in a father-daughter program of the same...

In the summer of 2008, five young girls of color and their white fathers attend a program designed to bond families through handmade activities, camp-like adventures, and a heavy dose of cultural appropriation. But where can these girls turn when the program sparks questions that their fathers are unable – or unwilling – to answer? Inspired by the playwright’s experiences in a father-daughter program of the same name, Indian Princesses is a tender satire that explores the stories we tell, the histories we omit, and the truths that live inside us, waiting to come out.

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Indian Princesses

Recommended by

  • Leah Roth Barsanti: Indian Princesses by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez
    “

    DANG. We love a play that explores the magic of young women. We love a play that puts multiple generations and races and ages in one space. We love a play that explores harm done with the best of intentions. And we especially love a play that does all those things with extreme care and beauty and power. In short: WE LOVE THIS PLAY.

    DANG. We love a play that explores the magic of young women. We love a play that puts multiple generations and races and ages in one space. We love a play that explores harm done with the best of intentions. And we especially love a play that does all those things with extreme care and beauty and power. In short: WE LOVE THIS PLAY.

    ”
  • Blyss Cleveland: Indian Princesses by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez
    “

    "Indian Princesses" is a funny and touching play that centers around father-daughter relationships and the thorny way white parents address and/or avoid talking about race and culture. It's an engaging coming-of-age narrative centered around girls of color, and sheds light on the challenges of growing up under the care of fathers who mean well, but don't always do good. It's a fantastic read and I can't wait to see a full production!

    "Indian Princesses" is a funny and touching play that centers around father-daughter relationships and the thorny way white parents address and/or avoid talking about race and culture. It's an engaging coming-of-age narrative centered around girls of color, and sheds light on the challenges of growing up under the care of fathers who mean well, but don't always do good. It's a fantastic read and I can't wait to see a full production!

    ”
  • Zach Barr: Indian Princesses by Eliana Theologides Rodriguez
    “

    A glowing, reverent play about the struggle to face down issues of race, class, and gender, all at once. White men who can't talk to each other trying to care for young women of color who desperately need to speak and be heard. Rodriguez's silences speak volumes, while the sparks of humor and connection guide the audience through. Glad to see it will premiere soon.

    A glowing, reverent play about the struggle to face down issues of race, class, and gender, all at once. White men who can't talk to each other trying to care for young women of color who desperately need to speak and be heard. Rodriguez's silences speak volumes, while the sparks of humor and connection guide the audience through. Glad to see it will premiere soon.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Development History

  • Residency, Playwrights Realm, 2023