History Comes to Life
Storytelling is an art. Telling a story reveals to an audience a world that only the storyteller knows and is willing to reveal to the listener. The stories that astound and amaze us most, however, are the stories that are true.
On Wednesday evening, January 18th (two days after the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day), the central theme of the stories being told inside Hannaford Hall was the Civil Rights Movement. The cornerstone of the evening was the tale born from the perspective of Melba Patillo, one of the courageous “The Little Rock Nine” who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas between 1955 and 1958.
The immensely talented Almeria Campbell portrayed a 15 year-old girl transformed during three years of her life, as she fights for her life, repeatedly, at the hands of all kind of abusers, in order to pursue her dream of an equal education. Ms. Campbell portrays 20 additional characters—including the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, President Eisenhower, and members of the KKK. To see the story of Dr. Melba Patillo Beals, to glimpse at what she endured that year and the courage it took on her part, transported me to that historic time and place.
As a preface to the performance, four King Middle School 7th graders and their teachers, Caitlyn LeClair and Karen McDonald, brought the story closer to home. Each student spoke eloquently about their recent expedition, “Small Acts of Courage: Memories of the Civil Rights Movement,” a project in which students captured the stories of Mainers involved in the Civil Rights. They were joined by Julia Adams, a member of the Portland String Quartet, whose own story of integration was truly inspiring. It was obvious that the impact of hearing from those “who lived it” deeply impacted the students—you could tell they truly embraced the importance of storytelling and history.
During the post-performance discussion, more stories were shared as people stood up to talk of their experience – ranging from their own visceral reaction to parts of “Warrior’s Don’t Cry,” or their experience with the Civil Rights movement itself. People also shared how what happened “back then and there” still resonates with them here and now. It’s clear to see that this chapter has not been entirely written, but continues to unfold.
In the spirit of “Warriors Don’t Cry”, is there a story that you would also like to share?
Olivia says:
Free knowledge like this doesn’t just help, it promtoe democracy. Thank you.