‘1923’ Cast Says the Show Confronts Racism Against Indigenous People Because ‘We Need to Acknowledge That It Happened’

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In simpler terms, Taylor Sheridan’s Western series “1923,” which is a prequel to “Yellowstone,” showcases the authentic struggles of living in the wilderness, encompassing both the political climate and societal norms of that particular era.

The series explores the deep-rooted racism faced by Native Americans, including the tragic instances of systematic mistreatment within residential schools. As portrayed in Season 2, Dougie Hall’s character Two Spears reflects real-life historical events as depicted by the show’s creator, Sheridan.

Hall mentioned during the Los Angeles premiere of the show on Wednesday that he is open and truthful about discussing both historical and personal events affecting Indigenous communities. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these events as a step towards healing.

Sebastian Roché portrays Father Renaud, a priest at a boarding school who is both violent and has a unique interpretation of morality. As he puts it, “Within the confines of God’s law, he rules supreme.”

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Sebastian Roché plays the character of Father Renaud, a stern and aggressive priest at a residential school. He justifies his actions with twisted moral arguments, referring to himself as the ruler within the boundaries set by God’s laws.

In Season 2, Father Renaud is on a mission to find Teonna, an Indigenous girl who fled from the institution. Accompanied by Marshal Kent, who grows increasingly aggressive, he serves as a reflection of the cruelty perpetrated at the residential school. This allows us to witness how institutionalized violence can manifest in alternative settings.

1923 delves into matters such as anti-miscegenation laws that prohibited interracial relationships, which are strikingly relevant today for characters like Brian Geraghty’s Zane in Season 1. His character is torn away from his Asian wife, mirroring contemporary issues.

1923 bears a similarity to the year 2025, as Geraghty pointed out, in that sometimes the law serves us well, while at other times it seems tainted with corruption.

Harrison Ford portrays Jacob Dutton, a key member of the Dutton clan whose ranch is in danger of being seized. It’s up to Jacob to safeguard the Duttons, and he’s prepared to go to great lengths for his family as he puts it: “I’ll do whatever it takes.” Ford added, “He doesn’t know any other way.” In simpler terms, Jacob is determined to protect his family and will go to any length to do so.

“Those are the times in our history when people really had to fend for themselves,” Ford added.

The series is spearheaded by seasoned actors like Ford and Helen Mirren, who portray Jacob’s wife Cara, yet it boasts a youthful ensemble as well, many of whom have made their mark in this production.

Aminah Nieves, playing Teonna, shared that it has affected her significantly on a mental and spiritual level unlike anything else. She now feels she has an opportunity, which she didn’t have before, that she will always be thankful for.

Actors joining for Season 2 found it effortless to fit into the established cast and crew dynamics. As Jennifer Carpenter, playing Mamie Fossett, put it, “It seemed to happen spontaneously. It was an incredibly welcoming and hard-working team of individuals that I’ve been fortunate enough to be amongst.

Fossett commented, ‘Taylor Sheridan writes women with great strength.’ He added, ‘The material is exceptionally deep; it’s not just in the script, but also evident on the sets and in the exceptional work the team was producing.’

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2025-02-23 18:17