Do Lord Remember Me
Chromolume Theatre
April 26 - May 19, 2013
by James de Jongh
Fri. and Sat. 8pm
Sun. 2pm
From the day of the first slave auction in 1655, to the publication of the first slave autobiography in London in 1789, the voices of the American slaves were silent. Since then they have risen in glorious song and courageous speech to tell the tales of those who have endured the "Infamous Practice" and "Peculiar Institution" of slavery. In the 1930's, President Roosevelt asked the Federal Writer's Project, part of his Works Progress Administration, to go out and interview the last generation of Americans born in slavery, who were then in their eighties, nineties, or even older. Now, the words and songs of the slaves themselves come together to tell their tales. Sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, these men and women will awaken your sympathy, command your admiration, and break your heart. These are the bravest of us, the strongest, the most devoted and hardest worked--and for too long, the least valued. These are the true tales of slavery--a night you will remember for the rest of your life.
"Do Lord is like a vivid etching come briefly to life."
-- N.Y. Daily News
"An engrossing and informative tapestry of daily life as it was lived then. There is great humor and warmth, along with passion and anger. And a sense of triumph in the overcoming."
-- Women's Wear Daily
"A theatrical event of rare distinction and achievement."
-- Christian Science Monitor
CAST/CREW BIOS
Reviews
"I was wishing that Arthur Alonzo Richardson, as Slave, would never leave the stage. His ability to inhabit each of his characters is incomparable, and his soulful performance is tempered by touches of playfulness, even in the darkest scenes."
David C. Nichols of LA Times raves "Credit also goes to the wonderfully controlled Chromolume Theatre Company production, which played last fall at the Raven Playhouse."
"The cast is superb. Bambadjan Bamba, Rodney J. Hobbs, Shavonda Mitchell and Annzella Victoria trump every challenge handed them, and Arthur Richardson goes for the jugular, especially as Nat Turner.
"They elucidate and entertain at once, and that, coupled with the undeiable authenticity makes 'Do Lord Remember Me' quietly unforgettable."
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