Electronic gadgets & gizmos
Posts tagged Blogs
Something I Said-Tony Kushner’s Caroline, Or Change — The Magnificent Mammy
04 months ago
by ollie
Something I Said-Tony Kushner’s Caroline, Or Change — The Magnificent Mammy
Something I Said-Tony Kushner’s Caroline, Or Change — The Magnificent Mammy
Free Online Articles Directory
Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
ABAnswers
0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Login
Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out
Email
Password
Remember me?
Lost Password?
Home Page > News and Society > Something I Said-Tony Kushner’s Caroline, Or Change — The Magnificent Mammy
Something I Said-Tony Kushner’s Caroline, Or Change — The Magnificent Mammy
Posted: Mar 14, 2010 |Comments: 0
|
]]>
Something I Said
Caroline Or Change
Dwight Hobbes
MN Spokesman-Recorder archives So, this is how we honor the death of 14-year-old Emmet Till, savagely beaten, an eye gouged out, before he was shot through the head and thrown into the Tallahatchie River with a 70-pound cotton gin fan tied to his body with barbed wire – for the youthful mischief of whistling at white woman. This is how we respect the memory of activist Medgar Evers, shot in the back walking up the driveway to come home to his wife and three children. This is how we honor four Birmingham, Alabama girls who, while worshiping at church, were bombed into the next life by the Ku Klux Klan. A generation fought for civil rights, struggled to be treated like human beings, refused to be denied education and the right to vote with the brave and the innocent dying cruel deaths. It is honored as the backdrop for some privileged playwright entertaining audiences with his ersatz saga at the Guthrie Theater, Caroline, or Change, which may as well have been titled The Magnificent Mammy. Caroline Thibodeaux, a Southern Jewish family’s maid, is the lead character in this plotless fluff by Tony Kushner (book and lyrics) that barely stops short of amounting to a contemporary coonshow. Right off the bat, singing as she washes and dries clothes in the basement, Caroline is accompanied by, of all things, an animated, spiritedly singing washer, dryer (cloned from Teen Angel in Dreamgirls) and radio. Bad enough, but the radio is represented by three women in snug, hot pink, shake-and-shimmy dresses, rolling their hips, jutting out their butts – every time they perform a number. It’s not the least bit surprising when we learn how Caroline came to be a single mom. She had to get a divorce because – okay, everybody say – her husband, what else, drank like a fish and beat her like she was Job’s mule. The requisite, cliché heartwarming tug comes with Caroline having befriended the family’s young son, helping the grade-schooler sneak a smoke and thereby standing as his rock of Gibraltar. Naturally, the closest thing she has to a worthwhile black man is daydreaming of Nat King Cole. This romanticized stereotype debases the heart and soul that kept maids and laundry women getting up each day to work their hands raw looking after their families (many of which actually included husbands who never raised a hand to them, whether they drank or not). These mothers and wives dealing with day-in, day-out drudgery were about a great deal more than this script’s dilemma of whether Caroline was given whatever change was left in the absent-minded kid’s pants pockets. It’s a galling insult that the climax arrives with our heretofore honorably heroine turning petty enough to appropriate a -bill from the child’s pants, argue with him over it, give it back and, then, walk off the job in a self-righteous huff, depriving her family of a living because of a spat with a little boy. Don’t worry, though, the ace up Kushner’s sleeve is that, after Caroline goes to church, we get to speculate that God intervened and got her job back for her (there’s no other way to explain the happily-ever-after-ending). One more slap in the face comes with the closing number’s smarmy bilge about succeeding generations being “children of Caroline Thibodeaux”. The Ordway Center had The Color Purple this season, so, artistic director Joe Dowling had to have The Guthrie Theater step up with its own Lawd-them-coloreds-sure-can-sing production. In fact, sing they do, a phenomenally gifted cast (the white performers acquit themselves admirably as well) doing Janine Tesori’s splendid music fine justice. It’s just a shame Kushner’s there, palming off a slick, bald-faced travesty as homage to an era’s valiant women who stood as a cornerstone in black communities during a tragic time.
Watch your traffic increase just by submitting articles with us, click here to get started.
Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!
Dwight Hobbes -
About the Author:
Twin Cities Daily Planet articles archived at www.tcdailyplanet.net/profiles/dwight-hobbes. Dwight Hobbes has written for ESSENCE, Reader’s Digest, Washington Post, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, City Pages, Mpls/St. Paul, MN Law & Politics, Pulse of the Twin Cities, Twin Cities Daily Planet, Women & Word, San Diego Union-Tribune and Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (where he contributes the commentary column Something I Said). He’s spoken his mind over National Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, Blog Talk Radio’s UNOBSTRUCTED and KMOJ in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Was regularly featured as guest commentator on NewsNight Minnesota (KTCA-Minneapolis/St. Paul) and Spectator (Minneapolis Television Network). His monthly column “Hobbes In The House” in MN Spokesman Recorder speaks to domestic abuse and rape. His plays are Shelter – produced at Mixed Blood Theatre by Pangea World Theater, Dues – produced by Mixed Blood Theatre, University of Southern Illinois in Point of Revue, selected for Bedlam Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festival and published by Playscripts, Inc. You Can’t Always Sometimes Never Tell – produced by Theater Center Philadelphia, Long Island University, reading at The Kennedy Center and published in the anthology CENTER STAGE, In the Midst – produced by Long Island University, starring Samuel E. Wright. Hobbes spoke on the panel “Farewell To August Wilson” at the Guthrie Theater, broadcast on Conversations With Al McFarlane (KFAI, KMOJ). Singer-songwriter Dwight Hobbes recorded the single “Atlanta Children” (BeatBad Records) and gigged 10 years in the Long Island/NYC area, including The Other End, Kenny’s Castaways and My Fathers Place. He fronted the Boston blues band Midlight. In Minneapolis, Hobbes opened for David Daniels at First Street Entry, James Curry at Terminal Bar, sat in with Yohannes Tona, Alicia Wiley at Sol Testimony’s Soul Jam, The New Congress at Babalu, Willie Murphy at the Viking Bar and Wain McFarlane & Jahz at Lucille’s Kitchen. Dwight Hobbes still drops in at the occasional open mic around town. www.myspace.com/dwighthobbesmusic
]]>
Questions and Answers
Ask our experts your News and Society related questions here…
200 Characters left
How many kids does tony curtis have ?
How do you change from being a customer service advisor into a teamleader?
Dose surviving a lightning strike cause the survivors personality to change?
Rate this Article
vote(s)
1 vote(s)
0) {
ch_selected = Math.floor(Math.random()*ch_queries.length);
if(ch_selected == ch_queries.length) ch_selected–;
ch_query = ch_queries[ch_selected];
}
}catch(e){
ch_query = document.title;
}
]]>
Article Tags:
dwight hobbes, caroline or change, tony kushner, joe dowling, the guthrie theater
Latest News and Society Articles
More from Dwight Hobbes
Death toll in Delhi blast now 14; ‘HuJI operative’ detained
Security agencies have detained a suspected HuJI operative Hilal Amin for allegedly sending a terror email in the aftermath of the September 7 blast outside the Delhi High Court. Amin is understood to have told the investigators that an email claiming responsibility on behalf of the HuJI was sent on his directions, sources said today.
By:
Ajay Barethal
News and Societyl
Sep 15, 2011
“Which child to save” the mother asks
this is an article about the plight somali women have to suffer and what they go through
By:
Abdul Khanl
News and Societyl
Sep 14, 2011
During these trying economic times more and more people in Minnesota are turning to short sales to avoid foreclosure. Short sales are the process in which the mortgage company agrees to settle for less than what is owed them on a property.
By:
Peter Dokkenl
News and Societyl
Sep 12, 2011
9/11 quotes, September 11 memorial Quotes
As people across the nation pause to remember the unforgettable terrorist attack and those lost on September 11, 2001. Here are quotations related 9/11 to remember. These quotes bring back memories that are as clear as a photograph.
By:
Peter Chanl
News and Societyl
Sep 11, 2011
DURING THE WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY CELEBRATION WHICH IS OBSERVED ON EVERY 19TH OF AUGUST GLOBALLY.
By:
MOHAMMED S IBRAHIMl
News and Societyl
Sep 11, 2011
Review of William Inge’s “Bus Stop”
Iconic dramatist William Inge’s ‘Bus Stop” carries a largely pedestrian cast at Theatre In The Round Players.
By:
Dwight Hobbesl
Arts & Entertainment>
Theaterl
Sep 14, 2011
Hangin’ with Twin Cities Rockers Inukshuk Pass
Reflections on a night of music making, hanging out and, in general, having a very productive waste of time.
By:
Dwight Hobbesl
Arts & Entertainment>
Musicl
Sep 14, 2011
Ushering at Janet Jackson was, to say the least, an experience and a half. That includes the audience.
By:
Dwight Hobbesl
Arts & Entertainment>
Musicl
Sep 01, 2011
Sha Cage interviewed by Dwight Hobbes
Sha Cage, first lady of Twin Cities spoken word, chats with MN Spokesman-Recorder about her craft and career, including a new commission by The Women’s Foundation.
By:
Dwight Hobbesl
Arts & Entertainment>
Theaterl
Aug 28, 2011
Janet Jackson Slick But Memorable At Minneapolis Show
Janet Jackson swings through the Twin Cities at Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theater for slick but nonetheless memorable show.
By:
Dwight Hobbesl
Arts & Entertainment>
Musicl
Aug 28, 2011
Add new Comment
Your Name: *
Your Email:
Comment Body: *
Verification code:*
* Required fields
Submit
Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy
Sign Up Today
Author Navigation
My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box
Dwight Hobbes has 184 articles online
Articles Categories
All Categories
Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing
Causes & Organizations
Culture
Economics
Environment
Free
Journalism
Men’s Issues
Nature
Philosophy
Politics
Recycling
Weather
Women’s Issues
]]>
Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog
Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Mobile Version
Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us
Business Info
Advertising
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2011 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.
Twin Cities Daily Planet articles archived at www.tcdailyplanet.net/profiles/dwight-hobbes. Dwight Hobbes has written for ESSENCE, Reader’s Digest, Washington Post, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, City Pages, Mpls/St. Paul, MN Law & Politics, Pulse of the Twin Cities, Twin Cities Daily Planet, Women & Word, San Diego Union-Tribune and Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (where he contributes the commentary column Something I Said). He’s spoken his mind over National Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, Blog Talk Radio’s UNOBSTRUCTED and KMOJ in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Was regularly featured as guest commentator on NewsNight Minnesota (KTCA-Minneapolis/St. Paul) and Spectator (Minneapolis Television Network). His monthly column “Hobbes In The House” in MN Spokesman Recorder speaks to domestic abuse and rape. His plays are Shelter – produced at Mixed Blood Theatre by Pangea World Theater, Dues – produced by Mixed Blood Theatre, University of Southern Illinois in Point of Revue, selected for Bedlam Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festival and published by Playscripts, Inc. You Can’t Always Sometimes Never Tell – produced by Theater Center Philadelphia, Long Island University, reading at The Kennedy Center and published in the anthology CENTER STAGE, In the Midst – produced by Long Island University, starring Samuel E. Wright. Hobbes spoke on the panel “Farewell To August Wilson” at the Guthrie Theater, broadcast on Conversations With Al McFarlane (KFAI, KMOJ). Singer-songwriter Dwight Hobbes recorded the single “Atlanta Children” (BeatBad Records) and gigged 10 years in the Long Island/NYC area, including The Other End, Kenny’s Castaways and My Fathers Place. He fronted the Boston blues band Midlight. In Minneapolis, Hobbes opened for David Daniels at First Street Entry, James Curry at Terminal Bar, sat in with Yohannes Tona, Alicia Wiley at Sol Testimony’s Soul Jam, The New Congress at Babalu, Willie Murphy at the Viking Bar and Wain McFarlane & Jahz at Lucille’s Kitchen. Dwight Hobbes still drops in at the occasional open mic around town. www.myspace.com/dwighthobbesmusic
