Lisa Alavi cast as lead Comanche woman in “Marshal Dead”. After getting her audition submitted only in the cuff of time, Lisa Alavi snagged the lead role of Comanche Woman, Nadua. Due to her respect for Indigenous tribes, she was only interested in the role if it displayed the character in a positive light and perspective.
This will be pitched to various networks as a series and produced by Loren Margolese, Marc Isaacs, and Jade Roberts. Directed by Marc Isaacs, who himself is part of the Mohawk Nations.
Alavi said, “ I have so much respect for Natives of various tribes, that for me, I only wanted to do the role if I felt it a respectful representation of the character. Marc, Loren, and Jade were all amazing at answering any questions that I had regarding their vision. My dad’s best friend when he came to the United States, who helped him fill out his applications for university when his English was still only beginner, was of a Native tribe. My dad went on the get his PhD, but it’s that kindness that helped open that first door. Kindness goes a long way. My dad’s university friend who taught him how to drive was also another Native friend. My granddad on my mom’s side remarried to a woman of Choctaw descent, who we saw as our own blood as well. It was important to me how the character was going to be represented and I asked a lot of questions.”
In order to prep for the role, Lisa Alavi trained with husband and wife team, Gilbert Gomez and Rebecca Stacey. Gilbert is of the Apache Nations and Rebecca of the Cherokee Nations. They are both skilled makeup and wardrobe stylists to the entertainment industry, as well as competitive archery shooters. Gilbert himself made the arrows and bow used on set, as well as others they compete with. With their combined knowledge of culture and their individual skillsets, they helped Lisa Alavi prepare for the role and taught her the art of instinct archery.
Lisa Alavi mentioned, “ When I read the role, I loved the character because you get to see her at her most vulnerable and then that inner strength and willpower fire through. She has so many strengths and gifts that we will get to see her tap into, and a beautiful arc that we get to feel with her. I read her and I felt I knew her, like she was a part of me. For me, because I would love to see more people of various native tribes cast in these roles and tell their stories, part of me just hoped that I had their blessing to play such a great role and be able to represent this character. Knowing the director, Marc Isaacs, was of the Mohawk Nations and having Gilbert (Apache) and Rebecca (Cherokee) beside me, it felt right. I felt I had that blessing with them by my side to coach me along the way and other amazing talented actors of different tribes on the set beside me, such as Timothy Barnett. We had a beautiful team energy that I very much enjoyed. I truly enjoyed having Marc as a Director as well, because he gave me space to explore on set and he really trusted me with my instincts. I think that is a very special gift to have as an actor on set. I'm very grateful to him for that."
As this series goes into pitch, many of the details are still hidden under non-disclosure. But, stay tuned through Lisa Alavi’s IMDb for details to come…
