Local artist is using Shakespeare text to explore American and Lakota history

Creator and producer of Hanhepi Akenunpa Woechetu (Twelfth Night: The Act of Healing) Jessica Adams. (Photo by Marnie Cook.)

RAPID CITY – A Lakota adaptation of one of The Bard’s most beloved stories is in the works. Hanhepi Akenunpa Woechetu (Twelfth Night: The Act of Healing) is a professional adaptation by Jessica Adams (Sicangu) of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The original story explores themes of love, mistaken identity and the complexities of gender roles.

Adams, who is a local artist and Rapid City native, said she had been reading Twelfth Night. “At the same time I was reading a lot of Native history, watching a lot of Native shows and movies and I was reading a lot gender studies books, because I identify as transgender. As I was reading Twelfth Night, it hit me that this could be a great analogy or metaphor on the Native condition.”

She said the title was gifted to her project by respected Lakota elders who are serving as cultural advisors.

The original version centers on twins, a boy and a girl, who are separated during a shipwreck. Believing her brother is dead, the girl disguises herself as her dead brother and enters the service of a duke. The duke sends her to woo a woman on his behalf, but the duke’s love interest ends up falling in love with the servant, unaware of the servants true identity. The servant in turn, disguised as her brother, has fallen in love with the duke. Confusion ensues. Subplots lead to more confusion and comedic situations.

The original play is an audience favorite. It has been told in numerous ways, through countless stage productions, at least ten major films, multiple television adaptations, and musicals. 

The post Local artist is using Shakespeare text to explore American and Lakota history first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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