When art imitates life; The Negroes Are Congregating takes an unrepentant look at systematic racism

BY DAVE RANKIN

If ‘art imitates life,’ then the play The Negroes Are Congregating surely does its part. Written and directed by award-winning playwright Natasha Adiyana Morris, The Negroes Are Congregating skillfully takes an unrepentant look at systematic racism through the use of artistic expression. Thespians Christopher Parker, Christopher Bautista and Uche Ama, take this piece to higher levels with their energetic onstage performance by showing every bit of why this is play is a must see.

I mean, who takes the time to stop in the middle of the action to say, “I’m sorry, I’m trying to keep up the pace with this show but ya’ll know it’s draining as f*** to be talking about race all the damn time.” Only to continue with their lines so seamlessly as if nothing happened. Just to add, this is a feeling that too many of us know too well. But that’s the thing about this play. The vignettes were real life situations we all know way too well.

The play showcased scenes of our women who arrive at work with weekly new hairstyles to be asked all types of annoying questions by their white co-workers. To the ever-powerful ending scene of a black man being pulled over by the police. Cliché one might say, but it’s the way these scenes were intricately woven together with crowd bonding sarcastic sketches that had everyone at their whim.

Even the children’s fable of The Little Red Hen makes an appearance to teach valuables lessons regarding self-sufficiency. The Egyptian scholar Mustafa Gadalla once wrote that “To effectively communicate and influence change in people several modes must be used.” Ms. Morris made sure that these modes were in effect all throughout the performance. Considering that, The Negroes Are Congregating has already garnered international recognition in Switzerland, Halifax, Atlanta, and Washington D.C. I’d say it’s safe to say that The Negroes Are Congregating is doing its part to influence change.

One thing that really culminated the evening was the interaction between members of the ensemble and the audience as they engaged in dialogue. The questions and insightful responses that were presented provided some members of the audience with a greater sense of understanding our plight.

The title itself, “The Negroes Are Congregating,” refers to draconian slave laws where black people were not allowed to gather without a white person present. In so many ways, I under and overstood the reasons why Ms. Morris and crew had decided to have an all-black audience scheduled during one of their nights. Interestingly, a Caucasian female made the reference during Q&A where her and her African female friend could only attend the play together on that very same night. One member of the ensemble who thanked her for her honesty said, “It will be quite refreshing to see an audience full of us.” That’s for sure.

Although Simone and I were eternally grateful for attending on the night we did, we all know ‘ain’t’ nothing like sharing in this experience with your own. Regardless of who you go with, be prepared to laugh out loud, and to look around at the faces of everyone else in the audience as you all enjoy being challenged as to why the ‘Negroes Are Congregating.’