About the Project
“Book of Ezra” is my one-man autobiographical stage show. It’s the first solo theatrical show for this longtime stage actor and stalwart of the local spoken-word scene. It’s also a chance to hear a story rare on local stages, the coming-of-age of a young black man. I desire to take the show on the road.
From a review in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
“Book of Ezra” is a mix of biography, cautionary tales and rules for living. He tells us he only knows ofhis own father’s life from his grandma, so in contrast, he sets out to assemble a Book of Ezra that he will give his son, who has just turned 15.
What follows are episodes from his life, loosely stitched together, ranging from melancholy to comic and sweet to terrifying: the abuse his mother suffered, the taunting of teachers, the first girl to give him her phone number, the devastation of the Challenger catastrophe, the inspiration of a fifth-grade music teacher and later of Malcolm X, the gang member who held a gun to his head … it’s a dizzying account of growing up black in the East End.
He also discovers Maya Angelou’s poetry, which galvanizes him like August Wilson’s first encounter with Bessie Smith.
Directed by Mark Clayton Southers, the show is enhanced by projections that range from old photographs to video sequences by Wali Jamal Abdullah that fill in the stories, right up to Mr. Smith’s climactic meeting with his son, his newly compiled loose-leaf Book of Ezra under his arm. Lots ofmanuscript pages are left behind, scattered about, suggesting possible sequels to come.
The responses from many to the show have been favorable and been expressive of the desire for those who are parents, especially African-American fathers, to begin sharing more of their stories that may help guide their sons (and daughters) through their lives. With all the violence happening to young African-American males, many have begun questioning the value of their lives. “Book of Ezra” may be able to help them understand that even though they have gone through a lot struggles, made mistakes, or been judged negatively by some in society without knowing their stories, their lives have and will always have value.
Production Team
