By Monira Al-Haroun
monira@uga.edu
The 10 members of UGA’s Black Theatrical Ensemble marked the group’s 25th anniversary at the end of March by calling on the spirit of Malcolm X.
Larry Calhoun, then a graduate student in mass communications, founded the Black Theatrical Ensemble in 1976 to promote diversity in Athens theater.
Today, BTE continues his mission, “exposing the ensemble members, the campus community and the Athens-Clarke County community to the works of African-American playwrights and culture,” according to BTE publicity material.
BTE chose El Hajj Malik, a play about the life of Malcolm X by N.R. Davidson, to be its 25th-anniversary celebration piece, says Keizia Parks, president of BTE.
The six-man, four-woman production at the Seney-Stovall Chapel was a learning experience, says Parks.
“Of course we’ve all heard about Malcolm X, but this play gave insight to his beliefs,” she says. “From a pimp, to a dope dealer, to a Muslim--you think you know him, but you don’t.”
Parks, a senior majoring in sociology, joined BTE her freshman year and has served as treasurer and drama troupe director.
“The Black Theatrical Ensemble has really helped me grow as an actress, a leader and a person,” she says.
BTE celebrated the 25th anniversary at the March 31 performance with more than 100 alumni of the organization, says Ahmad Smith, a senior pre-law major. The founder of BTE, Larry Calhoun, and almost all BTE alumni attended a luncheon and a reception after the play.
They came from all across the country, says Parks: “One or two in Athens, several from Atlanta (including the assistant attorney general) and some from as far as California.”
Smith says the cast rehearsed for three hours a day for about three weeks. Before going on stage, the cast would warm up with hums, chants, stretches and breathing exercises. Once on stage, he says, the 10 cast members repeated “Malcolm” several times.
“It is as if [Malcolm X] came and touched each individual, to display his life to the audience,” Smith says. “It’s very important to not forget him.” |
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