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Indians

by Arthur Kopit


Synopsis: Cast in the style of a vaudeville Wild West Show, this highly theatrical play explores the theme of America's mistreatment of the indigenous tribes. The hero is Buffalo Bill, whose life is defined and destroyed by an unfulfilled vision. Like all tragic heroes he has a fatal character flaw: he knows and loves the Native Americans, but craves money and fame. He helps destroy the buffalo herds, reducing the Native Americans to starvation. Ultimately, ambition leads him to even greater cruelty, destroying both the tribes and himself.