Culture Clash: PALESTINE, NEW MEXICO

Culture Clash is a production company that focus on new and inventive works that mash up different cultures in a way that gives a higher clarity about society. Their newest work is PALESTINE, NEW MEXICO playing at the Mark Taper Forum (presented by Center Theatre Group) in Los Angeles, CA.

The play follows a young female army captain who has traveled to a reservation in New Mexico to deliver a letter from a fallen soldier, Ray Little Sky. Ray's father (to which the letter was addressed) is the Chief of the Native American Reservation. The course of the play deals with such themes surrounding the cultures of Native Americans, Middle Eastern Indians, Chicanos, Jews, and Christians. This seems to be a lot to take in in an 80 minute play. And while each was definitely represented, it sometimes lacked focus. The plot furthers when we find that Ray was a soldier who had sympathies for the various religious backgrounds met in the war. He would allow prisoners to pray when the call to pray was heard. This behavior led some to believe that he was a traitor to the American people. But really, Ray was attempting to make peace. He calls on fellow Native American soldier, Swarez to help. Ray shows, in an act of peaceful diplomacy, that while Swarez and Ray are from warring tribes, they too can get along. This is probably the most interesting moment, but is somewhat overshadowed by the peyote scene that takes the audience into the captain's trippy trip (complete with a giant cactus). An interesting plot, but a bit unfocused at times.

The comedy between the three older vets was by far the best moment in the show. This slapstick scene really brought in a multi-generational aspects while making fun. But the overall best performance definitely goes to the captain, Kirsten Potter. She was strong, yet feminine which is difficult to do as an army officer. Then notably, the chief was played by Russell Means (from Disney's POCAHONTAS) who was fantastically regal. Overall the show was solid, but was a bit rushed in my opinion and took on a lot of issues for one short play. But definitely worth seeing.