VALDOSTA —
The student cast initially had a difficult time imagining the relationships between blacks and whites in the stage production of Ernest J. Gaines’ “A Lesson Before Dying.”
“You have to remember how young some of these students are. Some were born in the ’90s,” says Dr. John Gaston, Valdosta State University College of the Arts dean and co-director of VSU Theatre & Dance’s production of “A Lesson Before Dying.” “These students have a difficult time imagining things being that bad because of their freedoms and the friendships they have today.”
“A Lesson Before Dying” is set firmly in the Jim Crow South, in the era between World War II and the rise of the civil rights movement in the mid 20th century.
The character Grant Wiggins is the only educated black man in this story and the only African-American who has the potential to possibly escape this societal oppression. Still, he is trapped in this world where he must be subservient despite his talents and abilities.
The idea of a man standing up, a black man, in this time is paramount to putting his life at risk, Gaston explains. In that era, a black woman could occasionally speak out, with less serious repercussions, but a black man’s refusal to say “sir” or an attempt to defend himself could prove fatal.
“The thought of dying must be very difficult for those who have never experienced the joys of living,” Gaston says in his director’s notes. “‘A Lesson Before Dying’ gives us a teaching moment. ... It is a lesson for each character in the play and each member of the audience. We are all on trial. We must ask ourselves if we could be found guilty of association with one or more of Ernest Gaines’ characters. ...”
Gaston co-directs this work with VSU Theatre & Dance’s Duke Guthrie, who emphasizes “A Lesson Before Dying” is a serious work addressing themes as tragic as Shakespeare or the Greeks but much closer to our time and place. Guthrie says playwright Romulus Linney’s script remains true to the mature language and themes of Gaines’ novel.
In co-directing, both Gaston, who is black, and Guthrie, who is white, bring their individual perspectives and experiences to the production. Prior to the first rehearsal, or the first role being cast, the co-directors spent time discussing their thoughts for the show. Early in their preparations, they realized they shared a similar vision and understanding of the work.
On the set, Guthrie often handles the more technical theatrical aspects with the performers while Gaston directs students in understanding the culture and speech of the characters.
100 Black Men of Valdosta helps sponsor this show.
“A Lesson Before Dying” should have audiences confronting difficult questions, no matter the race. As Gaston quotes in his director’s notes: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
THE CAST: D’Amante Wilson, John Holladay, Jonathan Butts, Clark Franzman, Mark LaMont Hance, Diamond Do’zia, Anthony Scott.
DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Dr. John C. Gaston & H. Duke Guthrie, co-directors; Heath McNease, composer of the show’s original score; Deborah Morgan, dramaturge; R. Keith Pugh, scenic & lighting designer; Patrice N. Trower, costume designer; Michael Driggers, technical director; Shawanna Hall, stage manager, properties master; Christa Bynum, assistant stage manager; Esther Iverson, faculty advisor to student costume designer; Elie Siegel, master electrician; Ryan Ponsell, sound engineer; Jessalin Smith, sound board operator; Melanie Harkness, scenic artist; Joe Muncy, scene shop supervisor; Ryan Ponsell & Rebecca Morris, carpenters; Kathy Raess-Young, costume shop supervisor; Rebecca Hueguet & Patrice Trower, costume shop assistants; Emih Abrahamson, box office manager; Kenya De Louis & Clarissa Phillips, house managers.
SHOWTIME
VSU Theatre & Dance presents “A Lesson Before Dying.”
When: Show plays 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Feb. 23, 24, 25; 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26; 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 27-29.
Where: Lab Theatre, second floor, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.
Reservations, more information: Call (229) 333-5973; or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts
Co-sponsor: 100 Black Men of Valdosta
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