Piece Comment

Review of Edge of the Rez, Hour One


Edge of the Rez examines the border towns where Native American culture intersects with white culture. The show is a collection of several features that address issues such as discrimination, the role of family, the effects of relocation, alcohol abuse, and the importance of traditional culture in overcoming these and other problems. Each story is well done, and a couple are exceptional. Music is used effectively both to transition between pieces, and to further the narrative within individual stories. The hour-long show works as a whole, but several segments could stand on their own or work as a series. This is an important and poignant body of work because it points out both the harsh reality as well as the beauty that can be found on the edge of the rez.