Little House on the Prairie: A New Era of Storytelling
For generations, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved novels have captured the hearts of readers worldwide with their poignant portrayal of life during the American pioneer era. The new Netflix series, Little House on the Prairie, reimagines this classic tale with a fresh perspective, delving deeper into the lives of the local Native American people and the challenges they faced.
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Set in the late 19th century, the show follows the Ingalls family as they travel from Wisconsin to Kansas in search of new opportunities. The family, consisting of Pa, Ma, Laura, and Mary, face numerous challenges as they adapt to their new life in the fledgling town. The show’s creator, Rebecca Sonnenshine, drew inspiration from Ingalls Wilder’s own work, as well as historical documentation, to ensure an accurate portrayal of the era.
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Accurate Representation of Osage Culture
The show’s writers collaborated closely with Osage cultural consultant Julie O’Keefe to ensure the accurate representation of the Osage Nation. Sonnenshine notes that the team learned a great deal about the Osage people, who were not well-represented in school curricula. The opportunity to explore the Osage culture and their connection to the land in Kansas was a significant aspect of the show.
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Alyssa Wapanatâhk, a member of the Osage Nation, plays the role of White Sun, a member of the Osage Nation who gets increased visibility in the new series. The show’s portrayal of the Osage people and their culture is a significant departure from the traditional depiction of Native Americans in Westerns.
Filming Locations and Set Design
The show was entirely filmed in Manitoba, Canada, primarily in and around Winnipeg. Production took place between June and October, with the team utilizing several real locations in the area. The show’s production designer, Sarah, built the Ingalls’ cabin using real logs and without nails, to accurately represent the technology of the time.
The team also built the town and the Mitchell House on private property leased outside of Winnipeg in Cooks Creek. The art department worked tirelessly to create an authentic setting, using a combination of practical sets and on-location filming.
Historical Accuracy and Research
Sonnenshine and her team conducted extensive research to ensure the accuracy of the show’s portrayal of the era. They drew inspiration from Ingalls Wilder’s own work, as well as historical documentation, to create an authentic setting. The team also consulted with experts in the field of Native American studies to ensure the accurate representation of the Osage Nation.
The show’s writers aimed to capture the essence of the pioneer era, with all its challenges and triumphs. The show’s creator notes that the prairie landscape was a significant aspect of the show, evoking a sense of freedom and possibility. The team wanted to portray the vastness of the prairie, its beauty and danger, to capture the essence of the era.
The show’s portrayal of the Osage Nation and their culture is a significant departure from the traditional depiction of Native Americans in Westerns. The team’s research and collaboration with Osage cultural consultant Julie O’Keefe ensured an accurate representation of the Osage people and their culture.
The show’s production team worked tirelessly to create an authentic setting, using a combination of practical sets and on-location filming. The team’s attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy resulted in a show that is both entertaining and informative.
Conclusion
The new Netflix series, Little House on the Prairie, is a fresh take on a classic tale. The show’s creator, Rebecca Sonnenshine, drew inspiration from Ingalls Wilder’s own work, as well as historical documentation, to ensure an accurate portrayal of the era. The show’s portrayal of the Osage Nation and their culture is a significant departure from the traditional depiction of Native Americans in Westerns.
The show’s production team worked tirelessly to create an authentic setting, using a combination of practical sets and on-location filming. The team’s attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy resulted in a show that is both entertaining and informative.
