Remember those old spaghetti westerns with cheesy lines, gunfights on the trails, saloon brawls and ‘Indians’ on the run? An Alberta theatre troupe is giving a fun and lively new take on the story of the old west, and the show is coming to Caravan Farm Theatre.
“It’s a hilarious roast that pokes fun cinematic version of the 'wild west,' but it’s also witty and generous and big-hearted,” says Estelle Shook, artistic director, Caravan Farm Theatre.
Indians and Cowboys is a theatre-cinema “mash-up” of old-time western movie footage playing on the big screen in the background while 10 live performers hailing from Calgary sing, play instruments and deliver fresh, witty dialogue for the screen characters.
“The actors are on the stage looking at the screen, and they revoice these old movies and put new words in the actors’ mouths,” says Shook.
The cast includes the renowned Calgary-born actress Michelle Thrush, who is directing Indians and Cowboys, and Jamie Tognazzini, who Caravan audiences may remember from Black Horse.
Throughout the show, taking place under the covered stage made to look like a cinema, the ‘bona fide’ cowboys and Indian performers play everything from harmonica and guitar to rock drums and powwow drums.
“The music is stirring, beautiful and rich,” says Shook.
In addition to a night of music and laughter, Shook says Caravan wanted to stage Indians and Cowboys this June to give audiences a joyful way to step into reconciliation and move forward, and celebrate National Indigenous People’s History Month.
“Truth and Reconciliation is hard, necessary work for all Canadians, but it can also be joyful. It after all, about relationships. Indians and Cowboys leads with that joy.”
Show-goers will also have the chance to enjoy food and drink delights and a special local spectacular horse prologue to add to the atmosphere.
Indians and Cowboys runs June 12, 13 and 14. Gates open at 6:30 pm and the performance begins at 7:30 pm. To learn more and book tickets, visit caravanfarmtheatre.com.
