Black Elk Speaks by John Gneisenau Niehardt Essay

Black Elk Speaks by John Gneisenau Niehardt - Essay Example The power of the play is not simply that it's superbly written drama but that it's all true (Dramatic Publishing Online Catalog)". Theatrical performance of the book has many significant features which determine the character of the play, and these features play rather important role for spectators' perception of the performance. I will discuss the theme and the main concept of the play by Niehardt's book Black Elk, the costumes of main characters and the lighting of the stage in different parts of the play, as well as its some significant moments. I will also access possible participation of some Hollywood actors in this play. 2. The theme of the play is the mix of some important themes of the book. So, it can be a mix of autobiographical theme and elegy, as it tells about tragic destiny of one of the most famous Indian tribes, and American Indians in general. The play should show the most important moments of the novel and to uncover the nature of the narration. The book consists of twenty-five chapters, and it is impossible to show the whole plot of the novel. The main concept of the play is to show the tragedy of Native Americans and to make spectators think of their historical legacy. Naturalism in some moments and symbolism of the whole play will influence spectators' perception of the performance. ... cter of the play is autobiographic narration of the main character, Black Elk, about his life, mystical visions which took place in his mind and performance reflection of these visions on the stage. The play will show a transition of the Indian tribe to reservation culture and reflect the influence of historical events on personal world perception. This transition will be displayed through the voice and views of Black Elk, as the main character of the play, as Glen Vanderbilt, professor of theater noted, "That voice reminds us of tradition and culture and asks for peace, justice and hope. Our stage production seeks to join that voice and remind our audience not only what was lost, but also what may still be" (At Ohio Wesleyan University Online). In addition to that, the play will show great life experience of Black Elk until the end of independence of American Indians, personal tragedy and tragedy of the whole world of Native Americans faced European invasion. 3. Costumes take one of the first places in the performance. They play one of the most important roles in historical period features reflection. A costume is the integral part of any play, especially that of historical character. So, a costumer must use all the features of a costume to show colours of that historical epoch. The director of the play will show all the variety of costumes features concerning particular play and time the action takes place, especially if it can help to underline the plot and the color of the time. I think that the characters will dress costumes which would resemble Indians' attire of that time, including important difference signs of some tribe members. So, Black Elk's costume will underline his status of a holy man, Whirlwind Chaser's costume will tell spectators that he is a