By DON FARRELL
Guest Columnist
I truly believe the theatre has the ability to change people’s hearts and minds. It can change the world. When we make art, we create a connection, a much-needed conversation with our community. Telling stories together matters because these stories let us know that we are not alone. And when we get to experience this connection in the safety net of a darkened theater, and together share the warts and the wonder of who we are, we are better for it. Through this sharing we are much more apt to empathize and to listen.
That is why I’m drawn to this artform because it brings together people of so many different backgrounds and ways of life, not only to be entertained, but touched.
Performers get a chance to be vulnerable, to dig deep into themselves to find a universal truth they can convey on stage. Audiences get the chance to identify with the characters and their plights, get drawn into the emotion and forget their own lives, and then experience a purge of emotion at the end of the journey. And hopefully people exit the theater with more on their mind than just where to get coffee. Great plays and musicals stick with people long beyond those two hours in the darkened theatre where priceless memories are created and experiences occur that not only heighten our understanding, and enjoyment of theater – but also teach us who we have been, who we are, and who we can become.
A year ago, I was part of a powerful production that I believed sparked conversations for audiences. Actors Theatre of Indiana produced the Indiana premiere of Kenneth Jones’ play “Alabama Story.” It is a finely crafted play about a librarian who was persecuted by politicians for protecting a children’s picture book in the Jim Crow South.
It’s a true story about Indiana’s own Emily Wheelock Reed who, as the Alabama State librarian in 1959, defended a book called “The Rabbits’ Wedding,” which depicts a black furred rabbit marrying a white furred rabbit. Politicians wanted to censor the story over its themes of interracial marriage.
I enjoy speaking with theatre patrons as they exit one of our shows, but it was quite different during our 2019 run of “Alabama Story.” Normally patrons and actors would express their appreciation for each other, post show conversations would be pleasant yet brief, and everyone went on their way to enjoy the rest of their evening. But with “Alabama Story” I noticed that patron after patron wanted to stay longer and share their thoughts on the play. Some, with tears in their eyes asked if they could give an embrace after expressing personal stories about their own lives and experiences. The play really struck a chord with so many.
In the year since we presented this production, the United States has intensely dealt with issues relating to race. Whether it is the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis or a rise in hate groups gathering online, the themes of civil rights and prejudice are prevalent in 2020. This story from 1959 feels even more relevant today.
I’m a white man who grew up in the middle-class to upper middle-class suburb of Roswell, Ga. My senior year of high school I transferred to an inner-city performing arts school in Atlanta, Ga., where I found myself a minority, and that experience opened my eyes in so many ways. Growing up I was not blind to racism but didn’t always see it – or perhaps notice it – on a regular basis.
Pursuing a career in theatre, I’ve always prided myself on being a part of a noble professional that, by its nature, is very accepting of everyone regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. The theatre is a safe place where performers can be their true authentic selves and be accepted. It goes back to the idea of digging down inside to find that universal truth and being safe to share.
The events of 2020 have opened my eyes in a new way. I began to look back and think about racism that I might not have noticed before. I spoke with my colleagues at Actors Theatre of Indiana and we knew we wanted to do something. We wanted to do our part – even if it’s a small part – to help change people’s hearts and minds.
So, the idea came to bring back our production of “Alabama Story.” ATI will be offering the chance to watch our recorded production in your own home using an on demand online streaming option. The video will also include a conversation with playwright Kenneth Jones, our director Jane Unger and the cast of “Alabama Story.” The cost is $35.00 and more information can be found at atistage.org.
It’s my hope that families will watch this show together, especially with their children, in order to spark discussions about civil rights. I would be happy to discuss the show with any of you after you’ve seen it. I am happy Actors Theatre of Indiana has the chance to be a small part of positive change for our community.
Don Farrell is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director for Actors Theatre of Indiana. Learn more at atistage.org.