Flyin' West

The narrative of the American frontier is ingrained in the American sense of self and represented constantly in popular media. Why do you think that narrative is valorized as part of American identity? How does this play support, challenge, or provide unknown details of that narrative?

In her Author’s Notes that precede the text of the play, Pearl Cleage mentions briefly that the land in the western states, including Kansas, was stolen from indigenous tribes. How do we reconcile this inspiring story about one oppressed group finding safety with the backstory of another oppressed group that lost their homes? If you were writing a note to an audience, how would you present this information?

Research the Exodus of 1879 and the story of the “exodusters,” including at least one major historical figure involved. Focus on events that Flyin’ West doesn’t describe or depict. How does this history enrich your understanding of the play?