EAST LANSING, MI -- Many “Michigan Bulletin” readers are familiar with “Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” These are, of course, among James Baldwin’s most acclaimed literary works. Yet the award-winning author was also a playwright, as he scribed the 1964 work “Blues for Mister Charlie,” which will run at the Michigan State University Fairchild Theatre during numerous dates throughout Black History Month.

Directed by Lansing community theatre veteran Lamont E. Clegg, the story surrounding the tragic murder of Richard Henry is based loosely on the events surrounding the murder of young Emmett Till. Civil Rights historians often note that Till’s murder happened just 3 short months before the beginning of the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, a watershed event in the history of the United States Civil Rights movement. Often described as a brutally honest period piece that examines race relations in 1955 Mississippi, many people will recognize similarities between such past events with those of today. Still, Clegg notes that, “despite the ugliness and harshness (displayed in) the show, Baldwin’s message is one of brotherhood.”

In fact, before rehearsals began, Clegg took the first week to ensure that the cast of nearly 30 college students (complemented by performance veteran Rico Wade) was well-educated on the issues they were to deal with. The multi-cultural group sat and discussed the issues of race relevant to the production for the first week that they were together… using discussion topics spurred from a previous 60 Minutes broadcast to the use of the “N” word. Leading discussions among a group of college students that come from different backgrounds is not alien to Clegg, who also is an MSU faculty member whose students are likely to be among the audience. “This time in our lives is all about learning,” said Malik Williams, who plays Richard Henry in the production. “We’re practically being handed this opportunity.”

While this is the fourth MSU production directed by Clegg, this one is somewhat unique, as Clegg had the opportunity to meet and interact with Baldwin while in graduate school. Now, long after graduating and establishing himself as a performer and director, he has his own group of students… enough to fill a classroom… working to share this production with their audience. While the show may not have the name recognition of some of his other MSU projects (such as Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun), it still presents an opportunity for the “African American population in Lansing to experience the work of another Black playwright.” This is something that Clegg recognizes “doesn’t happen a great deal” in the greater capitol city community.

The production promises to be intense… in both the subject matter and the language. At the same time, it will pay close attention to detail with an 18 member technical crew handling various backstage duties… such as dropping and raising a 22-foot tall screen. In another area of detail, MSU Theatre Department’s Dr. Lynnette Overby has choreographed the finer details of the dances of the period, such as the Jitterbug, Cha-cha-cha, Stroll and Twist.
Ironically, the play’s events take place in both the present and past. February is sure to bring much discussion about race relations, Emmett Till, civil rights, and African American contribution to the arts. Blues for Mister Charlie just may possess a special blend of all of those issues… giving both its cast and its audience something to think about.

The show will run February 3-5 and 10-13 with information regarding performance dates and ticket prices available by contacting the Wharton Center box office at 432-2000.

Senator
Virg Bernero
Commemorates
Martin Luther King Jr. and
Black History Month