About Larissa FastHorse

Satire of Thanksgiving and Educational Myths

Larissa FastHorse's breakthrough play 'The Thanksgiving Play' is a satirical comedy exposing the absurdities of America's Thanksgiving mythology in school curricula. It portrays four well-intentioned but clueless creators attempting a 'culturally sensitive' Thanksgiving play, highlighting problematic tropes and 'woke' failures.[1][2][3][11][19][21][22][29][31]

FastHorse describes it as a cautionary tale about education's mishandling of history, resonating amid cultural reckonings.[1][3] Directed by Rachel Chavkin, it reached Broadway in 2023, making history.[31][32]

Indigenous Representation and Tropes

FastHorse critiques Hollywood and theater's reliance on outdated Native stereotypes, advocating for authentic stories by Native creators. She discusses her evolution from directing to playwriting to counter these tropes.[5][7][8][9][13][14]

As a MacArthur Fellow (2020), she spotlights the need for specific Native voices in identity discussions.[4][9] Her work challenges non-Native assumptions about Indigeneity.[2][7]

Urban Native Experiences and Culture

Plays like 'Urban Rez' explore Native life in urban settings, rediscovering culture amid concrete realities. FastHorse draws from 'talking circles' with tribal members for authenticity.[12][17][27][28]

She emphasizes hunger for cultural connection in modern contexts, using theater to remind urban Natives of their roots.[12][17]

Humor as a Tool for Healing and Critique

FastHorse insists 'it's okay to laugh' at uncomfortable truths, using comedy to address heavy topics without alienating audiences.[2][13][18] Her satirical approach heals by confronting well-meaning white saviors and societal blind spots.[7][18]

This style powers plays like 'Fake It Until You Make It,' promoting theater's transformative potential.[7]

New Works and Expansive Storytelling

Recent projects include 'Fancy Dancer,' a world premiere with alternating Indigenous leads, and trilogies from nationwide tribal dialogues.[6][26][27][28][30]

She continues innovating with commissions and festivals, blending dance, choreography, and narrative.[6][15][25]

Awards, Recognition, and Broadway Milestone

FastHorse received the 2025 Brandeis Creative Arts Award and MacArthur Fellowship, celebrating her Broadway hit and Indigenous storytelling power.[4][23][32] Her path from obscurity to history-making playwright underscores persistence.[14][16]