The famous Psalm, Psalm 24, states that he wanted to “alchemize” the disdain for monuments into something positive. The result is the first comedy written by local writers, directors and actors. The “monumental farce” depicting the irreverent act of protesters decapitating a statue of Lincoln was produced by Mosaic Theater Company, with Psalms by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s resident playwright, It will be performed until the 1st of this month. The show will be performed at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, about a mile from the monument.
Mosaic artistic director Reginald L. Douglas, who is directing the play, said he wanted to open the company’s season with a substantive but entertaining production. “Psalm uses laughter to make the audience lean in, which is one of the greatest gifts of theater,” he says. “We all share jokes about something so serious: conversations about race, especially local and national history. It’s great to have the opportunity to see ourselves represented on monuments. Who is and who is not? And how do we, as neighbors of different races and political affiliations, come together in a dialogue about what’s next? ”
Debutting a play that touches on race and history is a notable milestone. This month, two films of “Psalm 24” will be shown. Out of the Vineyard, his interview-based play about lawsuits brought by enslaved people against their slaves, plays at Joe’s Movement Emporium through Sept. 24. ‘ will be performed. Directed and choreographed by Tony Thomas.
Psalm, 50 years old — “the same age as hip-hop,” he jokes — discussed both new releases while sitting on a bench near the memorial on a mild morning.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
question: When did you first hear about the Liberation Monument?
answer: When I came to Howard University. I don’t remember the exact moment I saw it, but it’s haunted me ever since.
question: What do you despise about it?
answer: This is a work of art, and all art is subjective. But to me, in terms of demeaning representations of black men, it’s pretty clear. You see him kneeling in front of Lincoln, and he’s almost naked, just wearing a loincloth – and Lincoln is on top of him in this patriarchal, superior pose. This monument is supposed to honor Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, but I think the artist got it wrong. The kneeling black man is supposed to be free, but he doesn’t seem to be free. This is a typical example of the representation that my work aims to deconstruct. All of my work is about representing and uplifting Black people.
question: How did you decide to write comedy?
answer: This subject matter is so heavy and potentially divisive that we feel it has to be a comedy. I hope the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, but I think audiences are really looking for laughs and joy. Comedy is a format I’ve never written before, so this was a formal challenge to myself. I’m making fun of people on both sides of the “woke” aisle. I’m on that side too, and I think we all find it ridiculous and absurd.
question: You have a strong reaction to the statue. Was it difficult to present the other side of the issue?
answer: No, because within the confines of comedy, everyone is fair game. No matter what you think should be done with this statue, whether you think it should be melted down and poured into the Potomac River, whether you think it should be left alone or go to a museum, there is humor to be gleaned from it.
question: Did you do any research on “Monumental Travesties”?
answer: Hooray. But a lot of my research actually involved coming to this park and observing people. As is the case now, women are walking. She happened to be looking at her monument. Many people don’t even pay attention.
question: “Out of the Vineyard” is also a play that touches on American history.
answer: The play is in dialogue with “Monumental Travesties.”Brooke Kidd [executive director at Joe’s Movement Emporium] They approached me about adapting a book called “Questions of Freedom: Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Founding to the Civil War” into a film. [by William G. Thomas III]. I didn’t want to do a period piece. So I interviewed people who were involved in some way in the history of freedom cases, basically the history of cases brought by enslaved people before the Emancipation Proclamation. Many were worked by families in Prince George’s County. Knowing this history emphasizes the fact that enslaved people were always fighting for freedom. So, going back to the topic of expression, [in the Emancipation Memorial]. To me, this statue represents a misunderstanding. “Out of the Vineyard” aims to correct that misconception and shed light on a hidden chapter of American history.
question: There is a misconception that freedom is a gift given to us by white saviors.
answer: that’s right. As I understand it, freedom is not something given to you by another human being. It’s your birthright.
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993, extension 501. mosaictheater.org.
Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Rainier. jawsmovement.org.
