The Rivalry Potlatch: Anthropology & Drama II — McDonel Kiva -- Pam Holcomb, an anthropologist, and I team-taught this course. This took place in the second term of the two-term course investigating the possible roots of drama around the globe. After looking at the possible roots of drama globally in the first term, in the second term we focused in on the dramatic rituals/dances of the Winter Dances of the Kwakiutl Indians of the Northwest Coast of Canada. For the first half of the term we read all the anthropological research, looked a film shot by anthropologists and Edward Curtis, etc. (Sears Eldredge, 2004)

In the second half of the term we separated the class into two “clan groups” and staged a rivalry potlatch. We rehearsed our presentations and dances separately and planned how to outdo each other with gifts for the invited audience. Then we staged out potlatch. This was all in the service of trying to get a deeper understanding of the Kwakiutl group and their use of dramatic materials in their rituals and entertainment. And I’ve never forgiven the other clan led by Pam Holcomb for out giving us with their decorated canoe! (Sears Eldridge, 2004)