Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

The Mira Theatre Guild has resurfaced with an inspiring production of Richard Caulfeild Goodman’s “Resistance.” Mira has fittingly presented “Resistance” in honor of Black History Month. The play dramatically chronicles events that occurred in Christina, Pennsylvania. It details the legendary plight of William Parker, who escaped from slavery from the South, only to find himself to stand up against the cold-reasoned Fugitive Slave Act of 1851. Though the obvious hero of the drama would be William Parker, Congressman Thaddeus Stevens stands out as the pivotal character of the plot, deciding between the established law and moral consciousness. Though the script can be stagnant at certain moments, the dialog between the characters cleverly elaborates on the horrific conditions of slavery and other historical matters. In one moment, Parker describes his childhood as a slave: “I growed up in a slave cabin when you was livin’ free and happy up north. With your ma to cuddle you and give you everything you want. I never knowed mine.”

The Vallejo Music Theatre had graciously lent their “black box” space at the Old Federal Building on Marin Street in Downtown Vallejo, for the production. Old church pews with cushions made for a comfortable situation despite the building’s lack of heating (blankets were provided.) It had the feel of a town meeting, as the stage stood on the same level with the audience. The set with minimal furniture portrayed small, rural 19th Century Pennsylvania. The costumes, aided by Vallejo Music Theatre’s Lynn Combs, were also simple, rustic, and historically accurate. I was able to forget that I was in a former federal office building by the decorum and blending shades of mauve and browns on the set. The trial scene was captured magnificently by one spotlight on the two faces of the central characters of that scene. Mira did not need fancy lighting and sound designs to carry the play.

Like a Shakespeare production, “Resistance” depends on the quality of the acting and the delivery of the text. Under the direction of Irv Siegal, the cast accomplished the feat. Most notably, Lamont Young, portraying William Parker, viscerally displayed the frustration of Parker’s dilemma. His rich deep voice delivered each word with conviction and weight. The Quaker Woman, the storyteller, was played with deep conviction and at some moments, endearing tenderness, by Sandra Risser. Risser drew in the audience with her intensity and expressive eyes. The actress, Pauleta Hickerson, evenly painted her varying role as Lydia Smith, the beloved housekeeper of Congressman Stevens. In his role of Stevens, Nolan Mecham physically attributed a limp to Stevens’ club foot. His movement followed the emotional journey of Stevens from cool even pacing to his physical outrage against an unjust establishment. Jerry Slack, who had a very likable persona, portrayed Castner Hanway, a white man arrested for treason for refusing to participate in the Fugitive Slave Act. Stacey Lowe ignited on stage in her role as the feisty Anne Moran, a racist white woman who eventually does the right thing. Lowe had given her character sublime layers in poise and emotionally delivery. Kenn Stevens performed the role of Marshal Kline, an arrogant racist character that defended laws of racism and slavery. Stevens excelled in his strong performance. His line “I represent the United States Government” strongly resonated our country’s sad history of arrogance, hostility and racism.

The production indeed has much potential as an educational vehicle about our country’s history and the life of William Parker. In recognition of the production, the city of Vallejo has officially declared February 23 as William Parker Day. I highly recommend Mira Guild Theatre’s Resistance not only for its dramatic quality, but also for the value of its educational value for both young and old.

The last performance of Resistance will be on Friday, March 9 at 8 p.m. at the Old Federal Building, now owned by Vallejo Music Theatre at 823 Marin Street. Admission $15 general, $12 for seniors and students.