‘Alabama Sky’ addresses taboos

 
Southern University Theatre program put on a play from February 29 to March 3, “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” directed by Aileen A. Hendricks.
The story takes place in the summer of 1930 in Harlem.
Angel Allen (played by Dellarashia Ventress) is a rebellious blues singer who cannot find work.
Her friend Guy Jacobs (played by David Sylvester Jr.), a clothing designer, is also out of work but dreams of being hired to design dresses for the well-known singer Josephine Baker, who is living in Paris.
Their neighbor Delia Patterson (played by N’Kyia Molten), a social worker, is trying to organize a family planning clinic in Harlem.
Their friend Sam Thomas (played by Robert Easly), a doctor, works long hours delivering babies at the Harlem Hospital.
Angel, who is still unemployed, has began to get wooed by Leland Cunningham (played by John White), a very old-fashioned, religious young man from Alabama, who claims he wants to marry her.
Meanwhile, Delia, with the help of Sam, is successful in convincing a local church to support her proposal for a family planning clinic.
Guy finally receives the long-awaited notice from Josephine Baker inviting him to Paris to work for her.
Angel, however, has gotten pregnant by Leland and obtains an illegal abortion performed by Sam.
Enraged about the abortion, Leland shoots and kills Sam.
The play talks about a lot of issues that are still faced today. Unemployment, unplanned parenthood religion and homosexuality.
“My character was centered around homosexuality so I hope that it helped open peoples eyes and make the issue a little less taboo and a little more human,” said Sylvester.
The set was very well done thanks to Southern University’s very ​own Advanced stage craft class, and clothing were very realistic thanks to Brenda Harris. They portrayed the 1930’s perfectly. Harris definitely has an eye for authentic 30’s fashion. It will transport you into the 1930’s.
When asked, the cast members shared some of the wisdom they’ve learned while playing these wayward characters.
“Love, you never know when it will show up, don’t pass it up.” said Easly.
The play was very powerful and full of emotion.
“I learned that I am very much like my character. A little selfish and stubborn at times, I don’t want kids or relationships, but on the bright side I am very mature, very experienced. She knows what she wants, and knows how to get It.” said Ventress.​
The play also emphasizes the importance of having a strong emotional foundation.
“A lot of people go through dramatic events in their lives, so it is important to have a strong foundation and support system.” said White.
It is clear to see that the cast members had a good energy going and were feeding off of each other’s energy.
According to the cast they also possessed chemistry off stage as well. “We had a great cast,” said Molten. “We’ve become a little family over the course of it, and I hope that the audience can see that.”​