The Fight in Flight

I just returned from Pittsburgh City Theatre Company's production of "Flight" by Charlayne Woodard (aka Sister Peg from Law & Order: SVU). The production was beautiful. It runs at the theatre until April 6.
The story surrounds 5 slaves who help an unseen 9 year old slave boy deal with the sale of his mother by telling him stories from their folklore. The play is wonderfully crafted. Rare is it for me to walk away from a production wanting more -- wanting to know more about the lives of the characters and the stories that they shared with me. Today, I want to know more about "Little Jim", his mother "Sadie", his father "Nate" and "Mercy" and the other members of his new family.
In the masters program I attend, we are studying African and African-American culture. One of the points brought out in my studies is the collective nature of the culture and the influence of spirituality. The stories shared in this production illustrate these aspects of the culture.
The actors' connections with the material resonates. The house was brought to its feet at the conclusion of the tales.
As an actor, I vicariously shared in their connection with the material. To be able to share a story that is part of me and to have the opportunity to play roles within roles, takes my breathe away. Much like the company did for me today.
I am honored.

Tickets for "Flight" at: http://www.citytheatrecompany.org/