Live theater exhilarating for the audience
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by Dorothy Thrash
Lights, camera, action! Wait
a minute . . . this isn't the movies,
it's theater, and there is a big
difference. Before the glamour of the
picture show, the plays presented on
stage played a major part in our
community's entertainment. Many have
forgotten the pleasures and mysteries
that are uncovered when live
entertainment is available.
We once appreciated the
artistic talents of the actors and
actresses on stage; we've forgotten the
enjoyment of just being part of what was
going on. There is something special
about meeting those who work so hard to
present us with a moment of pleasurable
entertainment. This was, and, still is,
a personal gain on the part of those who
continue to frequently attend the live
theater today.
I took notice of what I was
missing when I made a visit to my local
movie theater. One of the major
differences that struck me was the end.
When the screen flashed "The End," it
was truly the end. The lights came on
and everyone had to leave.
The theater presents us with a
different atmosphere. When the lights
come on, you have the applause, curtain
calls, backstage visits, and a feeling
that this was something you had a part
in. You can visit with the actors and
actresses, talk to the director, and ask
questions about the production.
We are privileged to have an
outstanding theater here at Southeast
Community College. The director,
assistant professor Michael Corriston,
is a dedicated, enthusiastic, and
committed teacher and director. You
will always find him at work on the next
project that is scheduled for the
Theater Arts Program.
I had the opportunity to visit
with him and discuss the many aspects of
theater life. I found him energetic and
excited about the progress that has been
made at the theater.
He informed me of his earlier
years of involvement in the theater.
Like so many college students today who
really don't know where they will end up
in their chosen fields of study, he,
too, was undecided when he attended
college. One thing he did know, was
that he had a love for the technical
side of theater.
Having a love for education,
he has acquired the knowledge and
degrees that are necessary to teach
theater.
He said that, "if you are
going to teach theater arts, you should
learn all elements of the theater."
As I listen to Professor
Corriston's words of wisdom, as well as
the wisdom of other professors whom I've
studied under during the past two
semesters, the message begins to take on
new meaning.
I interpret this message as
all knowledge obtained interrelates to
give the receiver a sense of wholeness.
It molds the character that is needed to
achieve all you can be to others in your
chosen profession.
Corriston began to tell me of
the discipline of his cast--their
commitment and dedication to being the
best they can be. These are qualities
that will help them when they leave
Southeast and begin to search for their
place in the World.
It would help us all to spend
time at the theater--on the stage,
behind the scenes, or as part of the
audience. Our lives would be enriched
by the experience.
I'll be looking to see you
there.
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Remembering heroes from the past who have helped us reach today
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by Dorothy Thrash
February is the month that we
stop and reflect on the accomplishments
of African Americans who have
demonstrated courage and commitment to
abolish injustice against all odds.
There were many great men and
women of African descent--so many, that
it would take more space than I am
allotted to cover their contributions to
the history of this great nation.
Remember Harriet Tubman, a
runaway slave who found a way to lead
300 slaves to freedom. She could not
have done this without the help of "safe
homes," which are known today as the
Underground Railroad. Her successful
deliverance of those slaves earned her
the name "the Black Moses."
Frederick Douglas, a great
spokesman, convinced President Lincoln
to let African Americans join the army
and fight for justice.
Booker T. Washington was a
strong believer in education and put
himself through college. As a teacher
and writer, he encouraged African-
Americans to learn crafts and trades to
earn money to support their families.
Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993),
in 1954, helped to win a Supreme Court
decision that all children--regardless
of color-- should have equal rights to a
good education. In 1967, President
Lyndon B. Johnson named him to the
United States Supreme Court.
In 1953 Rev. T.J. Jemison led
a boycott in Baton Rouge, La.,
successfully integrating Baton Rouge
buses.
In the 1954, "Brown v. Board
of Education" of Topeka, Kansas, the
U.S. Supreme Court held that the long-
standing policy of "separate but equal"
public schools for blacks was
unconstitutional.
We remember Rosa Parks, who
woke America up to the segregated
practices in the public bus system in
Montgomery, Ala.
The Little Rock Nine (1958)--
young black students who challenged the
Arkansas state law of separate schools
for children of color.
One of the most influential
figures in Black History would be Dr.
Martin luther king, Jr. (1929-1968). He
emerged into the public's view when, in
1955, Parks refused to move to the black
section of a bus in Montgomery. Three
days later, the Montgomery Improvement
Organization formed, led by King. This
group organized a bus boycott that lead
to the desegregation of Alabama bus
lines.
In 1957, The Southern
Christian leadership Conference formed.
Lead by Dr. King, this group was
dedicated to nonviolent protest to draw
attention to discrimination. Receiving
the Nobel Peace Prize, King was and is a
perfect example of what can be
accomplished when you have a love for
humanity--a quality we all should strive
to acquire.
I could continue to report on
the Civil Rights Movement in a
historical perspective. Equality for
all should be the foundation upon which
education evolves. The differences that
we have individually as well as
collectively should not block our path
for unity. Knowledge is the catalyst in
which understanding is obtained. Our
future will be brighter when we
understand our past--not to repeat its
mistakes but to grow from the negatives
we find.
History is yesterday, and the
future is yet to come. I would like to
encourage the young minds of today to
seek the knowledge and understanding of
yesterday through education. They are
the tools that will help you find peace
for all of humanity.
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