In planning a rare night at the theater early this month, my wife and I knew that we were in for provocative fare. We had reservations–but not misgivings–for “To Kill A Mockingbird,” the play based on Harper Lee’s iconic 1960 novel and the classic, Gregory Peck-starring, 1962 movie. It’s a seminal work about racial “justice,” and it was produced by Stageworks, whose founder-director Anna Brennen has been known to push sensitive societal envelopes. Painful legacies: Bring it.
The production didn’t disappoint. The courtroom scene was memorable, riveting theater. Plaudits in particular to Jim Wicker as the fabled Atticus Finch, Kibwe Dorsey as the defendant, Amanda Welch as the purported rape victim and Peter Nason as her spot-on, Deliverancesque father. They all channeled their characters.
For several years Brennen had been wanting to do the revered and celebrated “Mockingbird,” but timing was a chronic issue. She wanted the best venue available. Now she has that new, compact facility in the Grand Central at Kennedy–in the Channel District–that has afforded the opportunity. And given that Stageworks’ raison d’être is addressing major social issues, “Mockingbird” and Stageworks was a match made to resonate in 21st century America. It’s now playing to sold-out audiences.
And yet Brennen, as feisty, confident and demanding as they come, concedes an instance, however fleeting, that took her aback, as well as one of raw, rare doubt.
“The first time it (the racial epithet ‘nigger’) was said in rehearsal, we all cringed,” she says. The actors, to be sure, are no less products of contemporary society simply because they are playing roles and mouthing scripted lines.
“I also had one moment, maybe 3-4 days into rehearsal,” recalls Brennen, “where I thought: ‘Are you out of your mind?’ You’re taking on this iconic work that so many are so familiar with? That means so much to so many? That’s a lot of pressure to do it right.”
She quickly reverted to intrepid form.
“Then I said, ‘We’re going to do this work, and we’re going to treat it the way we feel about it. We’re going to do it for those who love the book and remind them why they love it. Let’s also do it for those seeing it for the first time–and prove why it’s important. You can’t know a man till you walk in his shoes. And, let’s not forget there are lots of teachable moments for Atticus, not just racial tolerance.”
Ironic Context
Speaking of teachable moments, you sometimes have to wonder if in the aftermath of more than two generations of “Mockingbird” readings and viewings, we’ve really learned anything racially. Trayvon Martin was not a character in “Mockingbird,” but his symbolic presence was on stage, if not on trial. The Retreat at Twin Lakes in 2012 Sanford, Florida is hardly synonymous with 1935 Maycomb, Alabama but the disparate communities do belong in the same racial-crucible context. Indeed, what would Harper Lee think about what happened–and what hasn’t happened–in Sanford this month?
But just as the racial code of the Deep South was the underpinning for the period-piece trial that convicted black defendant Tom Robinson in “Mockingbird,” there are other color codes afoot more than half a century after Harper Lee wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Aided by ordinances so NRA- and yahoo-friendly that nearly 900,000 Floridians have concealed weapons permits and abetted by a Wild West “Stand Your Ground” law, Florida now has potential perfect-storm scenarios every time there is a confrontation. Here in the Gunshine State we now have many more of the wrong people packing–emboldened as never before.
As a result, we can have racial profiling that is deadly–not just demeaning. Those self-charged with enforcing the code of suspicion about those of the wrong color in the wrong place have never had such standing–or seeming impunity. The law is not on the side of those suspiciously packing Skittles.
Another variation on a code theme is what responsible black parents must advise their male children. Here’s what Jesse Washington, a black AP reporter, told his son to avoid fulfilling “up-to-no-good” stereotypes.
“Always pay close attention to your surroundings, especially if you are in an affluent neighborhood where black folks are few. Understand that even though you are not a criminal, some people might assume you are, especially if you are wearing certain clothes.
“Never argue with police, but protect your dignity and take pride in humility. When confronted by someone with a badge or a gun, do not flee, fight, or put your hands anywhere other than up. … As a black male, you must go above and beyond to show strangers what type of person you really are.”
But here’s the code that’s missing: a clarion clear message that refutes a dysfunctional culture that entices and entraps too many impressionable black males. Call it a stereotype perception-breaking code. And, no, we’re not necessarily talking about hoodies, although the hip-hopsters adopted it as the preferred look of nuanced menace, but, yes, we are talking about jailin’ drawers that prompt mainstream America, not just vigilantes, to contemptibly dismiss those who sport them.
Put it this way. Where are the massive national rallies, marches and vigils condemning misogynistic rap lyrics and all things “gangsta”? And 70 percent illegitimacy birth rates? And the denigration of good grades as “acting white?” This can’t be what Martin Luther King Jr. had in mind.
Rallies for Trayvon justice are as understandable as they are necessary. No one should be able to disregard police instructions and pursue their way into confrontation and a deadly force, Stand Your Ground self-defense. It’s legally oxymoronic and societally unconscionable.
Obviously, the Al Sharptons and Jesse Jacksons need single, high-profile coalescing events to warrant their direct involvement. It’s easier to invoke the name of Emmett Till than Nicholas Lindsey or Donte Morris. Obviously, the all-grievance New Black Panther Party and the International Peoples Democratic Uhuru Movement are part of the no-help problem.
We need justice for Trayvon Martin. But America’s muti-cultural, multi-racial issues transcend race. It means rethinking our ongoing perversion of the Second Amendment as much as it means responsibly raising all kids of all hues. Diversity allows for common values, not different standards. These are lessons even children can learn.
Harper Lee would agree.