Indian Braves (1984)

On Saturday, 28th January, over 30 children at the SLTC's Children's Class were visited by actors Peter Changer and Peter Duneen who guided them to become Indian Braves. Both Peters were in the cast of Michael Bogdanov's production of Hiawatha at the National Theatre. The session began with exercises similar to those used by actors rehearsing with particular emphasis on leg movement. While some of the children were being taught how to put on Indian makeup the others were taught an Indian Chant. Soon after an outline of the plot, imagination took hold and the children dances around an enormous teepee. They demonstrated their pride, grace and strength while drums beat in the background. Various children joined the Peters as various characters fro the play and others perfotmed celebration feats at Hiawatha's wedding. One of the Peters performed with three hoops the dance he did at the National. This was followed by a scene in which a jealous brave enticed the village to gamble half their possesions; the brave is judged by Hiawatha and turned into an eagle with the Peters doing a very visual gymnastic turn. An unforgettable day for the children and the adults in attendance.