William S. Yellowrobe, Jr. is an Assiniboine Native American playwright, actor and screenplay writer. He's most famous for “Grandchildren of the Buffalo Soldiers and Other Untold Stories.”
He visited as a special guest for Longwood's "Diverse Voices" reading series on March 13. As a character, Yellowrobe seems to be unmoved and comfortable no matter where he is. While being interviewed, he consistently repeated himself, remarking about the difficulties of transitioning from writing for a stage to writing for a camera.
He claimed that repeating in a conversation is a common occurrence in Assiniboine culture; the intended effect being that repetition is used to ensure that the listener understands the importance and reality being referenced.
As a Native American playwright, he found the media's portrayal of Native Americans to be a hindrance on the progression of authentic Native culture, as opposed to the novelty idea of what they're supposed to be.
He referenced Johnny Depp's role as Tonto in “The Lone Ranger” as proof that there is still a lot of ignorance that has to be overcome. "Real Comanche [Native Americans] auditioned for that role," he remarked. "But Hollywood doesn't want real Native culture, just the one that sells."
During the Q & A seminar in Grainger Hall, Yellowrobe argued that theatre is the ultimate way to bring attention to actual Native culture. "Theatre is community; it’s directly conveying a message in front of the audience. The emotional reaction is instantaneous and has a longer lasting effect," he said.
Yellowrobe is currently in the process of writing a screen adaptation of one of his plays, and works in various Native Theatre groups to help promote and educate about his culture and its history.
