Too late to see Free Man of Color at Riverwalk's Black Box. It was a strange experience for me to see the LAST show of a run, but thanks to Hope Rollins, you HAD your fair warning of what a good show it was.
Charles Smith's script showcased a web of mixed motives as a minister arranged for an ex-slave "educated/trained" at Ohio University to be the leader of Liberia, where "free men of color" would be shipped back to Africa. The reverend's disgruntled wife ends up teaching the ex-slave real life lessons.
The difference between "training" and "education"; the parallels between blacks, Native Americans, Irish immigrants; the lack of freedom and education for women. Links with history and perpetual issues of "other-ness" made a thought-provoking progression. Historic slides of relevant people and places (selected by Mary K, I assume) was facilitated by Matt Ottinger, and provided a historic backdrop.
Jeff Boerger was excellent as Reverend Wilson, dignified and well intentioned but trapped by the dictates of dogmatic religion. Mara McGill tackled the very complex character of the resentful, yet motherly wife, looking lovely in an assortment of elegant costumes (Kris Maier). Rahman Shareef brought depth to John Newton Templeton as he learned to think for himself and chart his own future.
Kudos to Mary K. Hodges Nees for another worthy contribution to Riverwalk's record of African American history shows. (We still have good memories of Sineh Wurie's standout performance in "Looking Over the President's Shoulder," also directed by Mary K. )
Charles Smith's script showcased a web of mixed motives as a minister arranged for an ex-slave "educated/trained" at Ohio University to be the leader of Liberia, where "free men of color" would be shipped back to Africa. The reverend's disgruntled wife ends up teaching the ex-slave real life lessons.
The difference between "training" and "education"; the parallels between blacks, Native Americans, Irish immigrants; the lack of freedom and education for women. Links with history and perpetual issues of "other-ness" made a thought-provoking progression. Historic slides of relevant people and places (selected by Mary K, I assume) was facilitated by Matt Ottinger, and provided a historic backdrop.
Jeff Boerger was excellent as Reverend Wilson, dignified and well intentioned but trapped by the dictates of dogmatic religion. Mara McGill tackled the very complex character of the resentful, yet motherly wife, looking lovely in an assortment of elegant costumes (Kris Maier). Rahman Shareef brought depth to John Newton Templeton as he learned to think for himself and chart his own future.
Kudos to Mary K. Hodges Nees for another worthy contribution to Riverwalk's record of African American history shows. (We still have good memories of Sineh Wurie's standout performance in "Looking Over the President's Shoulder," also directed by Mary K. )
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