DGS Actors Honor Black History Month with "Don't You Want to Be Free?"

Tiffany Rubin noticed that few African-American students at were involved in the school's theater program.

So the South English and Communications teacher decided to honor Black History Month with Langston Hughes' play, "Don't You Want to Be Free?" Most of the cast is African American. None has been in a school play before.

But don't let that fool you. They're talented, Rubin said. And they're tackling a play that deals with some of the darkest moments in American history.

Downers Grove South students can check out the play during their second and third class periods Friday. You can also see the play Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Read on for a Q&A with both Rubin and one of the actors in the play, Eric Nyantakyi.

Why did you decide to direct this play?

I feel very strongly that the African American population at South doesn't get opportunities much in the way of the arts. Not many African Americans are involved in acting or theater. They don't join band. I wanted to put on a production just for them. It's an opportunity to be on stage and for them to learn about their history. They know about the Civil Rights Movement, but not before that.

What is the play about?

It was written in 1938 in the Harlem Renaissance. It starts in Africa, then goes to slavery, the post-Civil War era, the Harlem Renaissance and ends with union workers who are both white and black coming together to overcome oppression. It ends on a very positive note, despite the times.

Why should people come to the play?

It's really important that the school and community be able to come and see an African-American play. It's not very common.

How has the school reacted to the play?

The school has embraced it and encouraged the students to be a part of it. It's taken a little while for it to be embraced as a respected part of the school's theater program.

What were some of the challenges you faced preparing for the play?

We had many discussions about the history of the production, like what would a slave auction really be like. There's a scene where someone is lynched. You have to explain that something of that enormity was commonplace. It's difficult subject matter. They have to take it seriously -- where they come from and how far African Americans have come.

Has Downers Grove South ever put on a play in honor of Black History Month before?

This is the first time we're doing a play for Black History Month. Two years ago, I started doing a Black History Month assembly. I compiled poetry, songs and narration -- essentially various pieces with a theme. I found the play this year, and I thought it was perfect to do (instead of the assembly).

Nyantakyi is one of the actors in the play. He moved from Ghana with his mother and two sisters almost three years ago

How do you think people will react to the play?

It will touch their heart. It relates directly to the past. People know what happened, but not how it happened. They don't know exactly how (African Americans) felt about being mistreated. We show them how they felt about it.

Why should people see the play?

Not many people recognize the opportunity (to see an African-American play). Schools around here don't do this. This school gets really involved in Black History Month.

Have you ever been in a school production before?

I've never acted before. I've never been on stage before. I hope it goes well for me (Friday).

Why did you decide to audition for the play?

In the last few years, I brought my cousin, Richard, to see the (Black History Month) assemblies. I wanted to be involved and participate. It was a chance for me to be involved in something at South.