Although I might not necessarily agree with playwright Richard Kalinoski's conclusion that "Here in America we're all the ghosts of slaves" – it assumes blacks and whites can't and never WILL be able to look beyond history and the color of our skin in all of our interactions – there IS plenty of food for thought in "Between Men and Cattle" now playing at the Detroit Repertory Theatre.
The play's title is taken from "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois in which he writes about the Old Southern belief that "somewhere between men and cattle, God created a tertium quid" – a third something – "and called it a Negro – a clownish, simple creature, at times even lovable within its limitations."
That seems to be the perspective of 1970s journalist Jerry Rudman who is bowled over by a speech given by 11-year-old Ernest Freeman at a local Martin Luther King Oratory Contest. Rudman, who is white and in his early 20s, is stunned and awed by Freeman's advanced intelligence and verbal skills – particularly because he's black and from the ghetto. So he sets up an interview with the youngster – which he later admits he wouldn't have done if Freeman was white. Although the two seem to get along quite well, Rudman's overzealousness reduces the boy to tears and leaves the reporter confused.
Until the two meet again 30 years later. Now, Freeman – Dr. Freeman, that is – is about to be installed as the first black president of a well-established, traditionally white Midwestern university. And Rudman, a popular columnist, is there to do a follow-up story – as well as to resolve the mystery that's plagued him for three decades. However, a private conversation Rudman unintentionally overhears while waiting to see the president leads both men in directions neither contemplated for that afternoon.
Despite the somewhat fatalistic conclusion to Freeman's inaugural speech, Kalinoski's script explores race from two perspectives: that of a black man who simply wants to be seen as a man first and black second, and a white man who THINKS he sees only the man – or boy – but doesn't. And as the playwright shows, it's not what IS said that's often the problem – it's what's NOT said.
The production, subtly staged by DRT veteran Barbara Busby, is an interesting challenge for director and actors alike. Both Bernard Owens (Freeman) and Hank Bennett (Rudman) must play characters that jump 30 years between acts. While there's little noticeable difference in Bennett's otherwise suitable performance, Owens nicely captures the essence of both an 11-year-old precocious boy and a polished, highly educated adult without ever overplaying either.
Supporting actors Council Cargle and Jenaya Jones Reynolds juggle multiple roles, and each has a finely executed and powerful moment in the second act.
'Between Men and Cattle'
Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Thu.-Sun., through March 18. Tickets: $17-$20. For information: 313-868-1347 or http://www.detroitreptheatre.com
