Princess in the Pantry
Author: Tracey Tonsberg
Publisher:
Published: 2006-02
Total Pages: 108
ISBN-13: 9781425907396
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThis play emanates from the centuries-old group struggle of AfricanAmerican people to gain equality, dignity, and justice here inNorth America. The story line revolves around a very small, teenager named Masai (pronounced Muh-si'') who is a member of the Black Panther Party. While finding his way through the obstacles of life, Masai maintains a vision for the future of his people (cultural group). Several aspects of this play stand out and distinguish this work from previous fare regarding the Panthers. They are: 1) The violent side of Panther life is not pertinent to the story. 2) The actual culture of the organization, which was new to the AfricanAmerican experience, but which grew out of said experience, is presented through songs as well as acting. 3) Each actor is empowered and no actor has to debase himself or herself, in order to "do a part" (acting). 4) The relationships between Panthers, their families, friends, and community are experienced. 5) In certain instances, unwittingly, the audience itself becomes a part of the cast. Finally, while there are a number of issues in this work, perhaps, the most significant point is that “culture conceals more than it reveals”. In other words, we often forget how much our culture reflects our behavior. Consequently, perhaps, the most interesting feature of such an assertion lies with the fact that what culture does hide, it does so most effectively from its own participants. This is what Panther founder and chief theoretician, the late Huey P. Newton, would have termed "heady" stuff.
