In the past, Indigenous people were misrepresented in movies and other media when harmful stereotypes and racist tropes were too often the norm. Indigenous Americans were presented as one-dimensional characters, or played by non-native actors. But things are changing and the recent HBO season of the series True Detective is a good example. It employed Alaska Native actors, writers and casting directors. What changes when Indigenous people have influence over popular television content? We talk with actors from the Alaska-focused series True Detective: Night Country, on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Mary Lou Asicksik – Actress and Casting Associate, True Detective: Night Country (Mary Lou is also an employee of Alaska Public Media)
- Phillip Blanchett – Actor in True Detective: Night Country, lead singer/founder of Pamyua
- Yaari Walker – Advisor and actress in True Detective: Night Country
- L’xeis Diane Benson – Writer and stage actress, actress in True Detective: Night Country
Related:
- HBO Original TRUE DETECTIVE NIGHT COUNTRY is available to stream on Max
- L’xeis Diane Benson on acting and her work in ‘True Detective: Night Country’
- HBO’s ‘True Detective’ collaborates with Iñupiaq for Alaska accuracy
PARTICIPATE:
Call 907-550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (comments may be read on air)
Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Lori Townsend is the chief editor, senior vice president of journalism and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452. Read more about Lori here.
