In today's world it may be hard to think about our society as still repeating and believing in settler colonial ideas, however Native people know all too well that these ideas are present in modern times. Whether it be in the form of mentioning Native people in passing as an object only meant to be mentioned in past tense, or explicitly reiterating racist rhetoric and methodologies, Native people have long suffered due to misinformation from the media and from film specifically. The play we are bringing to life this semester “Your Friend, Jay Silverheels” written by Drew Woodson, discusses exactly what happens when a Native actor in this colonial system tries to find art and beauty in a world that was not made for him, as well as what happens when these colonial demons come to the surface.

Assignments: Since the course is comprised mostly with a goal of the show at the end of the semester there will be minimal assignments. Only two written assignments will be required. Both reflections on the students own ideas of identity and how that compares to how the characters in the play as well as other readings describe identity. The final for the course will be the production of the show.

Grading: Students will be graded on their preparedness and understanding of the materials of the class. This will be in the form of two short reflections in the class as well as the final staging of the show. Grading will mostly be attendance and participation based. Therefore four or more unexcused absences will result in a grade deduction. Any absences of the final performances for the actors and crew members involved will result in an automatic failing of the class.

Attendance Policy: Due to the nature of the course all participants must expect to be able to attend each class. However not all students may be called on a given rehearsal class period. Therefore weekly schedules will be decided upon at the beginning of the week with a stage manager who will also be a part of the class. Attendance on the days called however is mandatory and any absences must be cleared with the directors and stage managers well in advance otherwise they will negatively affect the overall grade for the course.

Enrollment Process:
For actors- actors will be auditioned February 1st and 2nd. Rehearsal will begin immediately the week after.
For Crew/Tech/Others interested- For everyone else we will hold interviews for specific positions the second week of classes and we will notify people of their acceptance into the class the following weekend.
If students are just interested in helping out with the production or want to learn about the material they should come to the first day of class, there will be an interest form to fill out on the first day. Acceptance into the course will be sent out before the second class.
If you have any questions you may email us at dwoodson@berkeley.edu or salwameghjee@berkeley.edu.

Enrollment Process: There is an application to be involved with the production as an actor or as a member of the crew. For actors- actors will be auditioned the 25th and 26th. Rehearsal will begin immediately the week after. For Crew/Tech/Others interested- For everyone else we will hold interviews for specific positions the second week of classes and we will notify people of their acceptance into the class the following weekend. If students are just interested in helping out with the production or want to learn about the material they should come to the first day of class, there will be an interest form to fill out on the first day. Acceptance into the course will be sent out before the second class. If you have any questions you may email us at dwoodson@berkeley.edu or salwameghjee@berkeley.edu.