Indian Actors’ Workshop

During the United States’ civil rights movement in 1969, American Indians also wanted to be seen and heard. One way to gain more visibility was through acting. Jay “Tonto” Silverheels, the sidekick of the Lone Ranger, organized the INDIAN ACTORS’ WORKSHOP for urban American Indians to learn how to act so as to prepare themselves to do parts in Hollywood films and plays. In improvisations, they discuss militancy, identity, and differences in generational attitudes. This 20-minute documentary was directed, photographed, and edited by Sally Cytron Gati, with the help of Tom Cripps and Jane Treiman.