Living Literature
Dear Classmates,
On April 10, 2004, I visited the Generic Theater in Norfolk, Virginia and witnessed the wonderful performance named “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.” I selected this particular play because of the story line and the background of the writer. The play was written by a well know African-American writer named Lonne Elder III. It was directed by Staci Robbins and produced by special arrangements with Samuel French, Inc.
“Ceremonies in Dark Old Men set in a Harlem New York barber shop in the 1950’s. It reflects the struggles of the Parker family, an African-American family and their efforts to overcome the battle of unforeseen circumstances and greed. Mr. Parker, the father was the owner of the barbershop. Business had been disappointing for a while, so Mr. Parker agreed to team up with his oldest son Theo and Blue Haven to use the shop and sell bootleg corn whiskey. Bobby, the youngest son was a thief. He secretly joined with Blue to rob the other stores around the barbershop. The plan behind that was to drive “the man” out of Harlem. Adel, the daughter and the only honest working individual in the family was clueless of the whole situation.
The plan took a turn for the worse. Theo was the only one making the corn whisky while the others enjoyed the profits it brought to the family. Adel had begun to date a thug who ended up beating her up, leaving her with a black eye. Mr. Parker was out trying to find a new wife, and got sloppy drunk when he realized that a young girl was only interested in his money. If things could not get any worse for the pleasant family that once was, Bobby was killed in a robbery.
The actors did an exceptional performance. From the beginning to the end, I was at the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. On thing that could have been elaborated more then it was would have been the role reversal which takes place when Theo finds he has taken on what has been the traditional “woman’s role” as the only hard worker in the family. This created a lot of animosity between the family members that could have been expressed diversely and in vast detail.
I encourage all to take the time out to see this play. I am 21 years old and saw the play with my 51-year-old mother who enjoyed it too, so it is an experience for all age groups.
It has a bit of comedy to it along with the seriousness of the situation that is trying to be displayed. It is a piece of literature that will be around discussed and talked about for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Tivona Blaydes
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