From the Old Wood Forest

Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, 1 intermission

In rural Wisconsin during the late 1960s, Annie Ford, the daughter of a strict and traditional white family, meets Elwood Morris at their high school’s annual dance. Their unexpected romance blossoms against the backdrop of a deeply divided community—Elwood, his brother, and aunt are the only Native American family in town. As their relationship deepens, both families are forced to confront cultural tension, buried generational trauma, and the weight of an impending tragedy. Inspired by the true story of the playwright’s paternal grandparents, this poignant drama explores love’s resilience in the face of prejudice and the legacies we inherit.

CHARACTERS (7)

Annie Ford: 15-18. Female. Non-Native.

Elwood Morris: 17-20. Male. Native American.

Melissa Ford: 16-19. Female. Non-Native.

Chane Morris: 20-23. Male. Native American.

Elowen Morris: 40s/50s. Female. Native American.

John Ford: 40s/50s. Male. Non-Native.

Matthew Ford: 17-20. Male. Non-Native.

SCENE

Hayward, Wisconsin

TIME

Late 1960s-Early 1970s