This Sunday, Gary Dewitt Marshall is presenting two one-act plays, The Muse, and The History Man. Both are written by celebrated playwright and activist, Leslie Perry, who Marshall describes as a “modern day griot.” Perry is a founder of the Los Angeles Storytelling Festival, taught at UC Berkeley, and created The Story of the Olympic Games, which toured extensively.
The production, which opens with a preview show this Sunday at the Manazar Gamboa Community Theatre, continues with performances on February 15, 16 and 17 and on the 23rd and 24th. It is part of Marshall’s continuing Dark Blue Mondaze Showcase Theatre Series, which celebrates Black history through the art of storytelling, and, according to Marshall, exposes traditionally underserved members of the community to the wonderful world of theatre while inspiring and encouraging people from all walks of life to discover their highest creative potential.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Leslie a number of years ago,” Marshall explained. “Only recently we reconnected, and I expressed an interest in bringing some of his plays to the stage. I enjoy the simplicity, depth, and humanity that is present throughout Mr. Perry’s plays. They deal with all aspects of the human condition, gently.
“The Muse takes you on a journey through the mind’s eye of writer Matt Raymond, played by Gene Garvin, as he struggles to find a creative breakthrough. Matt, a ‘work in progress,’ summons his ancient mystical Muse, played by Andrea Meshel Smith, for guidance and direction.
“The History Man tells the story of an old theatre actor, played by Garret Davis, who recreates black historical figures, such as Frederick Douglass and Paul Robeson. His audiences have diminished, but not his passion for keeping history alive. During the course of the play, the History Man is interviewed by a news reporter, played by Lynne Conner, who challenges him to reinvent himself in order to gain international and diverse audiences.
“Mr. Perry played a significant role in the production by being accessible, available and willing to provide guidance and insight into his work, conversationally. However, he kept a respectful distance from the creative process. Mr. Perry is suffering from the debilitating disease called ALS or Lou Gherigs Disease. I only recently discovered the extent and severity of his condition after I went to visit him. It had been several years since our last face to face meeting.
“I will be directing and producing a couple more of Leslie Perry’s plays. We make a great team. We’re kindred spirits. I will ensure that Mr. Perry’s works continues long after we are no more.”
Marshall describes his creative vision as “Fusion Art,” and connects it to an emerging rennaissance of “Movement in Motion.”
“It is an artistic sensibility, a way of being, a life style. It’s a paradigm shift away from the ‘Starving Artist’ mentality. Artist should prosper. We are too important to the world not too.
“The Fusion Art movement gives artists power – the power of expression. I urge artist to take their calling seriously. Outside validation does not an artist make.
“We, as artists, have the ability to speak, paint, dance, and sing, and to articulate the thoughts, feelings, and emotions for those who cannot or will not. For far too long, artists have diminished their own importance in society. Well, I am here to remind them of who they really are. Artists are like honey bees. They pollinate and populate. You really notice their importance in their absence.”
Marshall admits that, except for Lynne Conner, he and the actors share what he describes as a NYC connection.
“I have history with all of the actors. It’s important to work with people that you can trust, who deliver, and come close to interpreting a collaborative creative vision. Also, New York actors are always looking for an opportunity to do live theater.”
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The theater is located on the corner of Anaheim Street and Gundry Avenue, at 1323 Gundry Ave., Long Beach, CA, 90813.
Tickets are $10, and available at Shades of Afrika, located at 1991 East 4th Street, which is one block East of Alamitos. You can also purchase tickets from Village Treasures, located on the South East corner of Broadway and Linden. You can also purchase tickets on-line, from TicketLeap.com.
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