Connie Mack stadium

Reparations

Last night I had the students split up and debate reparations for african americans, pro and con. Pretty fun to see these guys be so thoughtful and passionate, and for some, to have their opinions change by taking the contrary position.

There's a moment in the play (lbp) where the news anchor describes a lawsuit and a countersuit that references reparations.

Now, how to apply the passion to the acting?

Zayd

Went to hear a new play by zayd dohrn tuesday at juilliard. I love his writing and this play didn't disappoint.

I think it packs a nice, mean wallop at the end - there was something so dirty about the proceedings. You know some shoe is going to drop, and then, when it does, it affects you more than you expected.

Last black play

Began rehearsal of excellent new play by second year juilliard fellow nathan jackson: the last black play.

About a playwright who writes a play to "usher in a new era...a play that is so saturated with black history that when the audience finishes watching and by being consumed by its "blackness" they'll never want to see anything like it again." The play that's put on is called "black history abridged". Playwright and troupe embrace all of black history from slavery through obama (act one) and the future in which black america sues white america (who countersues) in act two.

Its very funny and adventurous and a huge undertaking with the second year students. As I've mentioned, its a gig I really enjoy. This one will certainly be especially challenging.

Mon night, merely had time to read the play once. Tues. slowly slogged through page 25 out of 102. There's much less time on this project than in past ones.

Today - more slogging. Last night viewed old racist cartoons (betty boop etc), discussed new yorker obama/michelle cover, and the basic nature of stereotypes.

And discussed the role of narrator in this play - and how to connect to the audience.