Some of us may remember and others may be only vaguely aware of the events surrounding the integration of Little Rock Central High School, Arkansas in 1957. It was a turbulent time in America as bigoted, white anti-integrationists openly defied the push by Negro activists to integrate an all white school. This, despite the Supreme Court decision Brown Vs. Board of Education in 1954.
In Little Rock by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, each of the nine students who bravely resisted the impulse to strike back at the white students and faculty who tormented and humiliated them as they attempted to get an education has been given an opportunity to be recognized as an individual. As a group, they stuck together through thick and thin. If they collectively were able to push the restart button in an America that had stalled in its promise for civil rights for all, individually they appear to us as courageous, talented, bright, and even one resolutely humor-motivated teen.
There are lots of stories to be told along with a good helping of songs and singing that has been integrated into what is otherwise a harrowing, heart-breaking play. Let's change that to a play about a group of determined teenagers as a force for change and an America being forced to change.
A series of workshops over the past six years has resulted in this world premiere production by Passage Theatre Company in association with Rebel Theatrical Management LLC. An integrated cast of nine gifted performers not only portray the students but many black and white characters. Their stories progress over the tumultuous period from September 1957 to graduation day in May 1958.To read the entire review and for more information please go to http://curtainup.com/littlerocknj14.html
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