Panel Discussion

Following the performance we had a panel discussion with the (exective director of MPAACT) Reggie, (my scene director) Marie as well as my scene partner Andre and our scene narrator Terry. The woman leading our discussion repeatedly quizzed us on the background of the august wilson and other fences characters. Which Marie and Reggie answered. I haven't read the book since high school so I myself was speechless. The woman leading the panel began reciting from August Wilson past discussion asking us our thoughts about African American man hood and family relationships. Many of us on the panel felt like we were competing with our experiences versus what August Wilson said to be our experience. To explain more we had and understanding the August Wilson wrote based on his cultural experiences times have change and are quite different from the world in which he lived in. The audience was made up off old white women and no other minorities. One woman asked me am I a angry black young adult. The question was something hard for me to answer the mass racial inequities I see today really angers me and the more and more I learn about institutional racism and white privelege I am angered. I myself never seen myself as a angry black man so as I was explaining the way I see the world I was completely different within my context of race and poverty. Never though would I consider myself to be an angry black man. Passionate? yes angry or bitter not at all. Maybe angered but not angry. Reggie told me that there is no point of me thinking it is my duty to teach free diversity classes to every white person who comes to me and ask questions regarding my culture. I do not hold all the answers nor am I the spokeperson for my race. I like to think of myself as a positive reflection of my culture however I must not stress over trying to educate someone who wants to learn about my culture it is not my duty or burden depending on how you view it. Another woman asked us do we feel comfortable around white people and it was a little awkward so Reggie replied you all are everywhere so... It was kind of a silly question to me but some white people want to know these things. I believe African Americans are still viewed in a lot of people eyes as exotic and mystique. I went on to talk to them about my cultural schock attending Monmouth coming from the urban all black Chicago to majority white country Monmouth. They all seem to enjoy me and my personal stories which was great. On the Other hand the panel discussion leader was quite rude to the audience members she disrespected one woman who said we are all flowers of different colors but we come from the same garden. She demeaned her and it was quite shocking to me, to see an adult demean another woman just because of thinking differences. Its not that she said she disagreed but she bluntly told her its not realistic and not everyone thinks that way. Honesty can burn. As the discussion progressed Reggie and the panel leader continued to battle over what August Wilson said and meant. Reggie as an African American playwright would be more certified to understand why August did something and what point he writes from. While the woman kept referring to a text of what he said. Reggie informed her that as a playwright you may never know what an audience member walks away from and how they interpreted not everything is done intentionally it can be written and expressed subconsciously. That writing my have some symbolism that speaks to you completely differently than it does to me. One other woman asked expressed that she enjoyed post discussion after plays to help her grasp a deeper understanding of the show and it is necessary for her to know the playing or weeks later she will still be boggled by some things. I always believed that was theater you walk away with a different experience than the next and yo may not be able to decipher everything but since weeks later it boggled you then maybe the playwright did his job correctly. Leave you the audience meditating over it even weeks after the show is over. However she demanded she knew everything and she wanted all the symbolism at face value. I wonder why would you want everything handed over too you? That lead to a discussion about culture and how film preview reveal everything about the show letting the audience now exactly what will happen, giving away the ending and trashy any element of surprise. I myself can tell based on a preview of a film whether or not it will be something memorable or flimsy. Reggie gave the example of "cast away" and how he would'nt waste his money on such film because the commercial explained everything. Now when anyone ask him what his play will be about he replies about 90 minutes no intermission enjoy the show. Joking manner but truthful one. After the panel I shooked hands and spoke to many who complimented me on my strength and great performance. Then we left the building Reggie explained to me issues with race baiting and how issues of race discussion turns into a push and pull. We then went out for ice cream and to an authentic Indian food to celebrate our victories.