Jackson Free Press

Last night, Todd and I went to New Stage Theatre to see "A Soldier's Play" (the play that the film "A Soldier's Story" was based on). Folks, this is a remarkable production with a line-up of just incredible (mostly black) male actors. It is serious, it is funny, and most importantly, it is seriously thought-provoking about the multiple levels of race, racism and the self-hatred that has inflicted some African Americans (and white oppressors) due to the history of oppression in our country.

For me, it was also a reminder of the time I spent with our late mayor, Frank Melton. As those of you who followed my Melton saga know, he was a tragic and flawed figure who put our city (and young black men in it) through a lot, but I ended up feeling great compassion for him by the end (not as justification for his actions). I saw the film "A Soldier's Story" during the two years that I was covering Mr. Melton in-depth and the character of the sergeant (who was killed, thus providing a whodunit plot for the play and film) slapped me in the face, opening my eyes. I could see so much of Mr. Melton's pain and confusion in that character, and for the first time, I started to understand, if not condone, why he treated troubled young men in such inconsistent ways, as well as spent a lot of his time pandering to powerful whites, whom he seemed at other times to abhor. I believe that it was seeing that film that helped me develop compassion for a very flawed man, allowing us to have an oddly close connection although I was his loudest media critic.

I will not spoil this play (or film) for you if you have not see it by explaining more about the plot or why this character "explained" Frank Melton for me. Regardless of your ethnicity, I urge you to go tonight, Friday or Saturday night or Sunday afternoon (it closes April 17). Last night there was a discussion with the remarkable (and extremely handsome!) cast afterward, and will be again tonight (with former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Reuben Anderson).

This play has not been without controversy over the years, and it will bring different responses out of different people, but it will not leave you untouched, I promise. To me, it is as succinct a summary as there ever could be about the tragedy and ongoing legacy of slavery and racism in our country—not to mention the hope we're now facing. (The last line alone is worth the cost of the play.) Seriously, all, go see it. You will not regret it.

Here's the Facebook page with more info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193956747310823

Previous Comments

ID

163140

Comment

Again, without spoiling the outcome, Boyd, I will say that I personally saw Mr. Melton treat young men like the sarge treated C.J. -- clearly because he was embarrassed about them. Not going to say more now, though. ;-) Go see it, all. Pack the theater. The performances alone will simply blow you away.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-04-14T14:38:23-06:00

ID

163141

Comment

Here's a great picture of the cast.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-04-14T14:47:16-06:00

ID

163143

Comment

The play really is riveting and the performances are fabulous. It's tight, moves quickly, and has you both smiling and surprised and taken aback. If you're out there thinking to yourself "I get bored at plays," then do yourself a favor and try this one. I think you'll be pleased that you did. They even have wine and beer at intermission, so it's kinda a no-brainer. Just remember to grab dinner first, because you'll want to stick around for the discussion. ;-)

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2011-04-14T15:06:05-06:00

ID

163151

Comment

Todd....I'm glad you chimed in....I'm persuaded. I think I'll try to get there with the fam on Sunday! Looking forward to it!

Author

Queen601

Date

2011-04-15T14:03:05-06:00