The Cast Photo by Moonlight Studios

Santa Fe Playhouse states that "it is proud to produce the world premiere of P.C. Verrone's Bad Medicine as part of its ongoing commitment to develop, produce, and amplify at least one new Indigenous work as part of its season programming." Toward that end this production is in partnership with Native Voices. (Founded in 1994, Native Voices is the only Actors' Equity theatre company in the United States dedicated exclusively to new works by Native American, First Nations, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian playwrights.) Resident Producing Director Anna M. Hogan has staged the production in collaboration with Courtney Elkin Mohler, dramaturg and recognized authority on Native American theatre.

Playwright P.C. Verrone says that Bad Medicine explores the "horror" of Native People experiencing appropriation of their traditions and experiences at the expense of their humanity. Indeed, ghosts and Indian burial grounds often figure prominently in popular horror stories and in Native American lore.

All of this academic and somewhat pedantic information might lead one to believe that Bad Medicine is a stuffy play. Instead, it is a dark comedic romp into all of these ideas wrapped in an excellent production. The questions surrounding appropriation are explored on many different levels.

The cast and creatives for Bad Medicine at Santa Fe Playhouse are extraordinarily strong and feature Native and non-Native actors from several tribes in the Americas along with locally recognized New Mexico talent. Tara Moses anchors the production as Aislin Alvarez; it is her story we follow as she deals with her heritage. She is a multi-talented actress who is fierce and still brings humor and tenderness to the role. Natalie Benally, as Shannon, is also terrific, handling a lot of exposition with a quirky delivery that really works. All the other players are more than competent. The actors playing the spirits are particularly effective and their movement is sometimes beautiful and often menacing.

All of the players are well supported by a physical production that is effective, aesthetically pleasing, and even a bit scary. The stage features a unit set in grays with sliding panels up center. Behind these panels we see a forbidding, moving skyscape. Natural elements surround the action with flashing lightning, rain, moody sound effects, and muted music. Kudos to set designer Kevin Nelson, lighting designer Fabian J. Garcia, and sound designer Santiago J. Chacon, who collaborate to make the atmosphere of the play outstanding. Costume designer Lisa McWhorter provides realistic street wear that also helps each character. Her costumes for the spirits are simple but highly effective. Masks and puppets used in the production are also well designed and beautifully executed by multidisciplinary artist Krys Applegate, the prop designer. This is a clean, well-designed production on every level.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion has been implemented and eradicated with amazing speed through many of our institutions, including arts organizations, for the last several years. Santa Fe Playhouse continues to explore ways to truly welcome diversity and individuality in their work. Bad Medicine asks many good questions about identity. Like Aislin's dreams, the answers are clouded in mystery and time. This production is important because it keeps the conversation going when many have chosen to ignore the problem. Santa Fe Playhouse should be commended for this commitment when others back away. Bad Medicine makes one think. You should see it!

Bad Medicine runs through August 30, 2026, at Santa Fe Playhouse, 142 East De Vargas Street, Santa Fe NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $20 through $80 depending on location and type. For tickets and information, please call 505-988-4262 or visi santafeplayhouse.org.

Bad Medicine by P.C. Verrone. Staged by Anna M. Hogan, in collaboration with Courtney Elkin Mohler. Kevin Nelson-Scenic Designer, Lisa McWhorter-Costume Designer, Santiago J. Chacon-Sound Designer, Fabian J. Garcia- Lighting Designer, Krys Applegate-Props Designer, Alex Bizon-Stage Manager.

The Cast: Tara Moses, Kholan Studi, Heather Michele Lawler, Russell Rietmann, Natalie Benally, Elise Falanga, Isabel Contreras, Ali Esmerelda Martin.