Re: Dutchman

Perhaps one of the things that could help attract an audience to this play is some discussion of the playwright, his evolution to an outspoken, often controversial Black Power advocate and his personal issues that are reflected directly in the play, like his relationship with his then white Jewish wife. Also, there is no mention of the critical acclaim this play generated, like receiving an Obie for Best Play.

Baraka's work has been characterized by some as the beginning of the rise of a whole group of contemporary African-American playwrights. In the ensuing years, playwrights like Ed Bullins, Oyamo, Joseph Walker, Charles Gordone and others developed work focused on the African-American community in unique, unprecedented ways.

Finally, I've seen this play (and the film version) on several occasions and it has the potential to evoke more than just intellectual stimulus, it can be a gut-wrenching visceral journey that makes one uncomfortable to look into one's own psyche, in terms of lust, anger and emotional needs.

Lynch Travis - actor/director
Oct. 28, 2009