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Thu, 13 Oct 1994 09:34:21 EST |
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Well, I heard the National Public Radio report on the Slave
Auction reenactment at colonial williamsburg, which was
essentially an interview with the director of African
American programs there (I think that was something like her
title.) She also played a pregnant slave in the reenactment.
She was an obviously earnest and thoughtful woman, who said
that the experience of playing the slave was life
transforming for her, and she described how all the feelings
"past and future" were suddenly in her. It sounded like a
kind of mystical experience for her.
She certainly made a very compelling case that this
reenactment was not trivializing the "african american
holocaust," but instead was paying respect to this story
which is not always clearly understood. It sounds as though
the audience was kind of stunned by the power of the
presentation, as they were generally completely quiet. The
protesters were relatively few in number, it was reported.
The interviewer asked her how african american history was
portrayed at Williamsburg "10 or 20" years ago. She replied
that 20 years ago, there was simply no representation of a
community that occupied the settlement (40% of the
settlement, 50% of the town). All in all, I think her case
was very well presented, and I was convinced that it was a
good thing.
It kind of reminds me of the reaction in some circles to
Schindler's List. I haven't gone to see the movie for
various reasons (like I've only seen 2 movies in as many
years since I have 2.5 yr old twins...), but also because I
have always had such nightmares about the holocaust that I
think it might be too harrowing to watch. Many people who
were involved in the 1935-44 period in Europe also felt that
the film trivialized the reality.
Anyway, I say bravo for the Williamsburg people's courage,
and the women who was responsible for it presented the case
with candor and conviction.
Eric Siegel
[log in to unmask]
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