Save the Man

by Kevin Brodie

Full length:
Daniel Young is running for his life.

Having escaped from an American Indian Boarding School in 1950, 16-year-old Daniel finds himself hiding in a barn in Clovis, California, trying to avoid recapture from the local deputy. Hoping for safety, and a good night’s sleep before moving on, he is instead discovered by Bijul--a teenage Sikh from the Punjab region of India. Bijul decides it is her duty...

Full length:
Daniel Young is running for his life.

Having escaped from an American Indian Boarding School in 1950, 16-year-old Daniel finds himself hiding in a barn in Clovis, California, trying to avoid recapture from the local deputy. Hoping for safety, and a good night’s sleep before moving on, he is instead discovered by Bijul--a teenage Sikh from the Punjab region of India. Bijul decides it is her duty as a Sikh to help Daniel, but not everyone in her family is on board.

Having narrowly escaped the horrors of Partition, Daniel’s presence throws Bijul’s family into conflict. Should they risk their status as immigrants by protecting Daniel from the injustice he is fleeing, or should they turn them over to local law enforcement and protect themselves? Even if they decide to help, Daniel has to decide if he is still capable of trust and able to accept the family’s aid.

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Save the Man

Recommended by

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Save the Man

    David Brodie addresses the history of the abuse of native children in Catholic-run boarding schools in his heartbreaking “Save the Man.” Daniel, a Shoshone teenager, escapes his school and hides in the barn of a family of Sikh farmers. The family's humanity cannot undo years of trauma, though. With fully developed characters, heartbreaking scenes, and multiple languages and cultures, "Save the Man" left the Depot audience speechless. A powerful play with timeless themes. Strongly recommended.

    David Brodie addresses the history of the abuse of native children in Catholic-run boarding schools in his heartbreaking “Save the Man.” Daniel, a Shoshone teenager, escapes his school and hides in the barn of a family of Sikh farmers. The family's humanity cannot undo years of trauma, though. With fully developed characters, heartbreaking scenes, and multiple languages and cultures, "Save the Man" left the Depot audience speechless. A powerful play with timeless themes. Strongly recommended.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Alternative Theatre Company, New York NY, Year 2023

Awards

  • Second Rounder
    Austin Film Festival
    Selection
    2022
  • First Place
    Moondance International Film Festival
    Winner
    2023