Calendar of Events
Flying Anvil Theatre: The Thanksgiving Play
November 11-28
Thurs-Sat @ 7:30, Sun @ 2:00
Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scramble to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month. The play is directed by David Ratliff, who previously directed two of Flying Anvil’s original Zoom plays in 2020. He says the show, written by a member of the Lakota nation, is topical, thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny, but also connects with the history of this area. ““Here in East Tennessee, we’re surrounded by Native American place names, because this was Yuchi, Muskogee Creek, and Cherokee land. But we hardly take note of it. This play offers us a chance to see this holiday in a new way while also poking fun at the worst parts of our own best intentions.”
The cast of local actors includes Mitch Moore, Celeste Pelletier, David Hutto and Amber Collins Crane. Edina Bobreck is the costume designer, Jordan Vera designs lighting with set by Jax Wright and props by Jordan McCready. Randy Thompson is stage manager.
The Thanksgiving Play continues Flying Anvil’s commitment to reopening safely. The theatre requires everyone to show a vaccination card or negative Covid test and wear masks within the space. In addition, only 60 seats are sold for each performance, so audience members can distance themselves within the theatre.
There is a Pay What You Can preview on November 10 and shows Thursday through Sunday through Nov 28.
Flying Anvil Theatre, 1300 Rocky Hill Road, Knoxville. Information: 865-357-1309, www.flyinganviltheatre.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, @flyinganviltheatre
