‘1923’ Stars Aminah Nieves And Jennifer Ehle Had “Safe Words” For Each Other On-Set

1923, Taylor Sheridan’s second Yellowstone prequel series about the origins of the Dutton family goes to unexpected places. Most surprisingly, the show follows Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) from the trenches of World War I to the wild plains of Africa as he makes his living hunting man-eaters. Perhaps less shocking is Sheridan’s exploration of one of the darkest chapters in American history—government residential boarding schools that sought to strip Indigenous people of their language and their culture. Needless to say, these institutions were abusive both physically and mentally and caused irreparable trauma to their captive students.

Played by newcomer Aminah Nieves, Teonna is our conduit to understanding the dark culture of these reprehensible institutions. At the School For American Indians featured in 1923, Teonna, who is smart and determined, stands out because of her rebellious nature. She irks all of the Catholic staff at the school, but especially Sister Mary O’Connor (Jennifer Ehle). Their combative relationship is on full display in the first episode in a tense scene where O’Connor beats Teonna for her insolence. In turn, O’Connor herself is beaten by Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché) for going too far in her discipline of Teonna.

In a brief conversation over Zoom, we got to the chance to speak to Nieves and Ehle about their tough scenes together and what Nieves hopes Indigenous audiences will take away from her character.

DECIDER: Government residential boarding schools were a reprehensible and unsettling piece of American history. Was it difficult as actors to revisit that institution?

AMINAH NIEVES: 100%, but I think it’s all a part of the healing process and paying respects to and honoring our ancestors.

I understand that Yellowstone‘s own Mo Brings Plenty was one of the cultural advisors on set. Can you talk about working with him?

JENNIFER EHLE: He’s an extraordinary person. It was a real honor to have him there with us.

Your characters share some pretty intense scenes together. Can you talk about collaborating with each other?

EHLE: I feel so fortunate that it was Aminah who was playing Teonna. It just worked from the beginning, didn’t it?

NIEVES: We’re both very aware of our boundaries and have a deep respect for one another. The moment we felt unsafe, it was like we had tap patterns.

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EHLE: We had safe words.

NIEVES: Yeah, we had it all. After every take, we would just hug it out. After those scenes were finished, we would cry together. I was very safe.

EHLE: I had to feel safe in order to do those abusive things. Sometimes working the dark stuff is the most fun to do. This wasn’t fun. This one wasn’t fun.

Teonna and Sister Mary don’t have a lot in common except an adversary in Father Renaud. How will that dynamic unfold throughout the rest of the season?

EHLE: I am so excited for you to see how it unfolds.

NIEVES: I wish we could say more.

Ok, so no spoilers! The Taylor Sheridan universe has a loyal and dedicated following. As newcomers into this world, do you feel a responsibility to the fans?

NIEVES: More than the to the fans, I feel a responsibility for my community.

Aminah, what do you hope Indigenous audiences will take away from Teonna’s story?

NIEVES: Now is a time when Indigenous youths are really starting to make an uproar and continue with the work that our elders have carried forward. We’re fighting so determinedly because we have them behind us. I j can’t wait to see all Indigenous people stand up for themselves [laughs]. I’m going to get emotional so I’ll just leave it there.