THE ARIS
^Down Home^ a celebration of Blackness
By MELODEE ALVEES
Staff Writer
African warriors and maidens in a
harmonious dance, innocent Blacks and
the Klan, rejoicing slaves, a street-wise
minister preaching Jim Crow’s funeral,
going up north, staying down south, and
realizing home. No, this is not a preview to
a network documentary. These are
descriptions of segments from Dr. Lee
Greene’s production “Down Home,”
performed January 13 in Memorial HalL
The public response to the production
was tremendous. Although there were
hazardous weather conditions the
production not only saw a huge
representation of students, but also a large
number of people from the community as
well.
The cast had prepared for this
production several months but the Wed
nesday before the Friday premiere saw
the entire cast rehearse together for the
first time. Dr. Greene felt that everyone
performed particularly well under these
circumstances. He singled out that the
dances and music were outstanding but
quickly adds that different parts were
done for differait effects and “in their own
right, each part performed was great.”
Due to tremendous and well-deserved
praise “Down Home” will be performed
again for the general public on January 31
in Memorial HalL When asked about the
possibility of showing the production on
television Dr.Greene smiled and said,“The
idea is still in negotiations and nothing is
definite right now.”
Greene said that he was extremely
pleased at the success of the production.
The audience was particularly receptive to
the action that took place on stage and the
actors responded exceptionally well to the
enthusiasm of the audience.
The production will be shown in the
classrooms, particularly English 84, and
Afro-American studies. It may also be
used during orientation. Dr. Greene ex
pressed a wish that the production could,
in addition, tour predominantly white and
Black campuses.
Another production has been started by
Dr. Greene. He reported that he and
student writers are working on something
“a little more dramatic this time.” This
program is tentatively scheduled for the
end of the semester.
Dr. Greene feels deeply indebted to the
audi^ce and to all of those many non
performing student, such as Gwen
Bullock, who contributed precious time
and money.
“I am extremely proud of this
production,” he said. “It has, in a sense,
created a stronger bond among Black
students and given them confidence.
Students are praising, not begrudging,
(Continued on page 7)
Senior Harold Woodard portrays a haunting, yet majestic symbol of
the African past in the original stage production, “Down Home.” An
encore presentation of the musical will be performed Tuesday night,
Jan. 31 at 8:00 in Memorial Hall. Staff photo by James Parker.
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