Pensacola Little Theatre's 'Alabama Story': A Powerful Drama of Love and Intellectual Freedom
Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) is gearing up to present an enthralling production of Alabama Story, a play that delves deep into the themes of censorship, tolerance, and the transformative power of literature.
Playwright Kenneth Jones, drawing inspiration from historical events, weaves a narrative that explores the formidable challenges Emily Wheelock Reed, the former state librarian of Alabama, faced when confronted with a demand to purge a children's book from library shelves in 1959. The play's relevance cannot be overstated, as it prompts reflection on contemporary debates surrounding banned books and intellectual freedoms.
The Playwright's Unique Perspective
Jones vividly recalls his moment of inspiration, sharing, "In May 2000, while reading The New York Times, I came across the story of Emily Wheelock Reed... I knew this was an idea for a play." The playwright soon recognized that he wasn't just crafting a historical piece but addressing a timeless issue—censorship. He emphasized, "I was writing a play about censorship rather than Civil Rights, although the two are certainly tangled in Alabama Story." This revelation led him to delve into the intricate web of conflicts, exploring vivid oppositions, such as male and female, black and white, insider and outsider, and private and public. For Jones, the play is a testament to the power of conversations and the "free flow of information," which he describes as "a basic human right."
Gavin Parmley: A Director's Vision
Director, Gavin Parmley
Gavin Parmley, the director of Alabama Story, brings a wealth of experience and passion for theater to this production. Parmley's journey with Pensacola Little Theatre dates back to 2004. Over the years, he has worn many hats, from being onstage to serving on production teams and the PLT artistic committee. Some of his cherished memories include productions like The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Cinderella, and The Addams Family. Alabama Story marks Parmley's directorial debut for a full-length play.
As the director of this thought-provoking production, Parmley shares his perspective on how the play's themes of censorship, tolerance, and the power of literature resonate with audiences. He highlights a poignant line from the play: "Books allow us to solve mysteries, satisfy curiosity, and realize dreams." Parmley finds it difficult to fathom a world where cherished books are taken away, echoing the sentiment that books hold the key to expanding our horizons and exploring the world.
Parmley believes that the issues raised in Alabama Story are profoundly relevant today as we witness ongoing debates about banned books and the gaining of knowledge of those different from ourselves. He points out that censorship and the fear of the "power of literature" continue to impact society, as exemplified by actions like the removal of books from library shelves by organizations like local and state School Boards. According to Parmley, the play portrays how the fear of knowledge manifests within the confines of home.
Unfolding the Riveting Plot
Alabama Story takes the audience on a transformative journey back to the turbulent era of the Civil Rights Movement. The story's core revolves around Emily Wheelock Reed's unwavering commitment to protecting intellectual freedom. As the state librarian of Alabama, Emily finds herself pitted against a formidable adversary—Senator E.W. Higgins. Senator Higgins demands the removal of "The Rabbit's Wedding" from library collections, driven by a deeply entrenched fear of racial integration.
Assistant Director, Kimberly Scott, with The Rabbit’s Wedding.
"The Rabbit's Wedding" is a charming children's picture book that tells the heartwarming story of a rabbit with black fur marrying a rabbit with white fur. In the segregated South of the late 1950s, such a story was perceived as threatening the prevailing racial norms. This book becomes the epicenter of a battle that reverberates worldwide, placing Emily Reed squarely in the midst of a heated clash between opposing forces.
However, Alabama Story is not merely a chronicle of censorship and political strife. At its heart, it is a story of romance and hope. Two characters, Lily and Joshua, whose roots trace back to the small town of Demopolis, Alabama, play a pivotal role. Lily and Joshua, a white woman and a Black man, were once childhood friends in Demopolis and reunite in Montgomery the same year that Emily Reed's battle unfolds. Their connection to books deepens the play's exploration of faith and identity.
The interactions between the pair reveal the intricate tapestry of human relationships. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and hope can flourish, transcending barriers and inspiring change.
Throughout the play, the audience is drawn into a captivating narrative that unfolds as a political thriller, a workplace comedy, a courtroom drama, and a history play. The multifaceted storytelling keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested, offering moments of laughter, tears, and a renewed perspective.
Live Theater's Role in Fostering Essential Conversations
Parmley underscores the vital role of live theater in addressing pressing issues such as censorship and fostering crucial conversations within the community. In his view, theater holds a mirror up to society, allowing audiences to step into the shoes of others and experience life from different perspectives. Parmley states, "Theatre gives its community the opportunity to live the experience of another." This immersive quality of theater amplifies the impact of the play's message.
Alabama Story provides Pensacola with an opportunity to engage in discussions about the consequences of censorship and the future repercussions of suppressing diverse voices and ideas. Parmley hopes that this production will serve as a catalyst for dialogue, prompting questions about who is genuinely being protected and whether we are prepared for the potential consequences of our actions. He states, "Silence is no longer an option."
To help facilitate that dialogue, Pensacola Little Theatre is thrilled to welcome Kenneth Jones, the celebrated author of Alabama Story. Audiences can look forward to a series of captivating talkbacks during opening weekend, providing unique insights into the play's themes and historical context. Notably, a special evening will feature Kenneth Jones alongside the remarkable banned book author and activist Nic Stone in a conversation sure to ignite thoughtful dialogue on October 21st. The two authors are brought to the conversation on the PLT stage in partnership with Sunday's Child.
As history repeats itself, Alabama Story serves as a poignant reminder that, despite our differences, we all have a story to tell and bear a collective responsibility to protect the free flow of information. In an age where books are challenged and banned, this production sparks essential conversations about the enduring importance of preserving intellectual freedom and the transformative potential of literature.
Written by Ashley McGlothren