Lorraine Hansberry, author of the play \Les Blancs,"" would be very happy to see an attempt at tolerance, considering the effects of Sept. 11 and the war in Iraq. Hansberry embedded that message within her story.
Hansberry was born black and female, and ""Les Blancs"" focuses on the truth of the black person, revealing her own beliefs as a civil rights campaigner. Although Hansberry died before the play opened, she knew it would be her most important work. Brian Bizell, assistant director of ""Les Blancs,"" said Hansberry's work has made an impression on him, and he feels that this play is appropriate for the times.
""If she could write something this powerful and relevant 30 years ago, think what kinds of amazing things she could be writing now,"" Bizell said.
Josh Aaron McCabe plays Charles Morris, an American reporter who comes to the fictional African village of the Kwi people to report on the fighting that is going on. He faces a moral dilemma when he must decide whether he should sit back and record the events or take action and help the people.
McCabe feels this play has given him a better understanding of why terrorists behave the way they do. ""After [Sept. 11], I was pretty closed off to try to see the other person's point of view,"" McCabe said. ""Now, [with this play,] I was forced to see the other end of things, and it makes you have to think and face some things, more so than you may have otherwise.""
The play centers around three brothers, Abioseh, Tshembe and Eric, who, due to their individual upbringings and the different journeys they travel, choose different sides to fight on, turning brother against brother.
Patrick Sims plays Tshembe, who returns from Europe to help bury his father. When he wants to return home to his wife and child, the natives beg him to stay and fight for them. Tshembe resists the pleas, hoping there will be a different outcome than war, but he soon realizes the side he must ultimately choose.
Through the Lorraine Hansberry Visiting Professorship started in 1998, accomplished director Timothy Bond was invited to direct this uncut version of ""Les Blancs."" Bizell and the rest of the cast all agreed that it was a life-changing experience working with Bond.
""To work with a director of his caliber is more than a treat, it is valuable training for our professional lives,"" Bizell said.
The play is intense and its message is effective because it allows the audience to rethink how they see themselves in the world and begin to see it through the eyes of another.
