Laugh hard, think harder.
Co-produced with the McCarter Theater, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Yale Repertory Theatre, Seattle Rep has staged another wonderful production at the Bagley Wright Theatre. Directed by Eric Ting and written in 1941, Between Two Knees comedically tells the story of the horrific history of Indigenous tribes. Full of twists and turns and unexpected surprises, the performers share tragedy with a hilarious take.
Between Two Knees tells Native history through the lens of the a singular family. The production the dark history behind the massacres of Indigenous tribes and communities. As we follow the story of Isaiah (Derek Garza) from childhood to old age, the performance is enriched by narration by Larry, (Justin “Jud” Gauthier) and the hilarious and talented ensemble.
The progression of Isaiah (Derek Garzo)’s story continues to tell the tales of his teenager years in a boarding school, where he meets his partner Irma (Shlya Lerner). They then begin a life together, saving Indigenous children, fighting off nun ninjas and being happily in love. When they bring their son, William (Shaun Taylor-Corbett), into the world, they are to see the reality of how the world has treated them and how it has treated all Indigenous people.
The writing of Between Two Knees was absolutely incredible, as scenes were serious and heartfelt, but tensions were often broken by comedic factors exactly when it needed to be. The story goes to depict raw experiences that Indigenous people faced that are not often articulate, but instead of steering away from the discomfort it may cause for others to listen, the writing bathed in it. The writing took into account the darkness and awkwardness an audience may feel and used it to enhance the production. Allowing for the audience to clearly acknowledge the issues discussed while still being able to poke fun at the jokes that were shared.
The quality of the production was spectacular, as I was fortunate to be in the front row, I was able to see closely the attention to detail made on the set, the effects and in the actors/actresses efforts. The theatre catered to all of my sensory details, with wonderful flash lighting for special effects, the costumes of the performers, and the perfectly timed and cohesive sound effects. The sets and props were fantastically decorated and organized fitting into the story perfectly. However, lastly, I want to appreciate the performers talents and enthusiasm throughout the show, everyone I saw went above and beyond for their characters from the facial expressions to the execution of lines. Everyone looked like they enjoyed being there and showed so much passion in their work, which enhanced the performance overall.
Although they’re a few content advisory notices I must give. Those including theatrical haze, strobe light effects, blood, gunshot sounds, and sex. I would absolutely recommend this show to anyone within the means of attending. The performance goes to touch upon the difficult pasts of Indigenous tribes but does so with comedic effect that does not take away from their stories. I was kept on my feet throughout the show and was always hit with something unexpected. The show was well produced, creative, witty, and incredibly entertaining.
Between Two Knees by The 1941s. Bailey Wright Theatre, Seattle Rep, Seattle Center, 155 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109. Sun March 26 7:30 Tickets and Info : https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202223-season/between-two-knees/performances
No street parking. Paid lots across the street and along the block. Take the Monorail from Westlake Center.