ARCHIVES OF EDITORIALS

 

 

February 19, 2004

A blow to the arts

When the Banner was first published in 1965, one of its objectives was to revive interest in the arts. Of special concern was the theater, which had once flourished in Boston’s small African American community.

From the beginning Kay Bourne has been the Banner’s Arts Editor. In the decades to follow, Kay Bourne became the leading expert on black presence in Boston theater, a history which began in 1801.

According to Mrs. Bourne’s research, a black man named Bates appeared in a pantomime drama in 1801 and later played in Shakespeare’s “Richard III” at the Federal Street Theatre, Boston’s first theatre building. From the mid-19th century onward, African Americans were involved in every aspect of theatrical production. They were playwrights, actors, singers and dancers in musicals, producers and directors.

In more contemporary times, Bostonians will remember productions of Ralf Coleman who became director of the Federal Theater Project in 1934. The career of Frank Silvera was launched in that program. He went on to great acclaim in Hollywood.

In 1968, actor James Spruill, a professor of theatre at Boston University, and actor Gus Johnson founded the New African Company as an arm of the Theater Company of Boston. Then in 2000, Jacqui Parker of Our Place Theatre Project staged the first annual African American Theater Festival.

In addition to the professional level presentations, churches and community organizations have produced theatrical projects over the years. There is indeed an historical interest in the theater among black Bostonians. For this reason reports about mismanagement at the Strand Theatre are cause of great concern.

A common tactic when being criticized is to strike out at those who are raising complaints. Juan Evereteze, president of the Harriet McCormack Center for the Arts/Strand Theatre did just that in a letter to the Banner. He asserts that the problem is based on “unprecedented coverage to a disgruntled former employee.” He also stated earlier that complaints of “greedy producers” are the cause of the difficulty.

Now that a lawsuit has been filed against the Strand for issuing a bad check to the producers of the Urban Nutcracker, it is time for the board of directors of the Strand Theatre to acknowledge that they have a management problem. Indeed, the mission of the Strand Theatre is too important to lose community support and the theater’s professional effectiveness.

Despite the unpleasantness at the Strand, this has been a stellar year for blacks in theater. Every year Independent Reviewers of New England give awards for both small theater and large theater productions. These awards, affectionately called IRNEs, are much sought after by actors, directors, playwrights, choreographers and designers. This year 38 nominees are African American. Clearly, theater is alive and well for black Bostonians.

The Banner calls upon Mr. Evereteze and the board of directors of the Strand Theatre to conduct a thorough investigation and financial audit of the Strand to put to rest the complaints from the community. Producers and patrons alike deserve to have their confidence in the Strand restored.

Home Page