Massachusetts chief in Mamet play

Mamet’s ‘November’ Skewers Politicos, Turkeys, Gays:  S.F. Stage

By Stephen WestThe President is bottom-feeding for cash to run TV ads on the final weekend and get back into the race. Luckily for Chuck and his buttoned-down aide, Archer, waiting in the outer office is the lobbyist for the National Association of Turkey and Turkey By-Products Manufacturers, previously a reliable source of contributions.

Turkey Guy wants Smith to break with tradition by pardoning two turkeys instead of one. Never one to miss an opportunity, the President jacks up his asking price from $50,000 to six figures. Turkey Guy balks.

Perhaps Smith can raise the money instead from Dwight Grackle, the chief of a Massachusetts Indian tribe who wants to build a gigantic casino complex on half of Nantucket Island. Smith wonders whether the chief might offer a testimonial saying the Indians at the original Thanksgiving dinner served tuna to the Pilgrims instead of turkey.Comment:  This scenario sounds stupid. I wouldn't be surprised if the Indian ends up looking silly.

But it's more realistic than similar scenarios in other works of fiction. The Indian doesn't have a funny Indian name (unless you count the bird-like "Grackle"). He looks and dresses like a Massachusetts Indian might when visiting the White House--with some ceremonial regalia, but no stereotypical chief's headdress. And the real Wampanoag Indians who participated in the first Thanksgiving are trying to open a casino in Massachusetts.

For more on the subject, see Native Plays and Other Stage Shows.

Below:  Chief Dwight Grackle and President Charles Smith in David Mamet's November.