Native: Richard Wright & Paul Green
by Ian Finley
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CAST: J. Mardrice and David zum Brunnen
DESCRIPTION
A courageous conversation about racism, patriotism and friendship, Native is a relevant and powerful production based on the true story of the collaboration between Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Green and the controversial author of Native Son, Richard Wright. Produced by EbzB Productions, Native features David zum Brunnen as Paul Green and J. Mardrice as Richard Wright.
Native details the metamorphic debate between Paul Green and Richard Wright. The authors are originally brought together by the Mercury Theatre to adapt Wright’s novel, Native Son, for the stage. Green, a white southern professor who advocates for social justice, and Wright, a self-educated African-American with communist sympathies, forge a deep respect for each other as they discuss systemic discrimination against African-Americans. They start their collaboration in Chapel Hill, North Carolina like a “house on fire.”
Then, in 1941, with World War II on the horizon, the two authors meet again in New York for rewrites. Orson Welles’ Broadway production is already in rehearsal. Differences over a single page of the script create an impasse between Green and Wright. A life-changing dialogue about who has the right to tell the story of racial, political and class injustice ensues. In spite of their common goal to affect social change, the scintillating argument dissolves the friendship of the two influential social justice authors.
THEMES: Activism, American History, Authors, Black History Month, Chicago, Civil Rights, Collaboration, Gun Violence, Native Son, North Carolina, Paul Green, Politics, Race, Richard Wright, Social Class, Social Justice.
AUDIENCE: General Adult; College Lecture Series; Student Matinee for Grades 10+. EbzB encourages presenters to follow this performance with a moderated post-show discussion.
BOOKING
“Native is educational, thought-provoking, and perhaps one of the most pertinent productions out there today on race relations in America.”
Clint Bowman, Presenter, High Point Arts
Presenters Tool Kit
Run Time: 80 minutes, no intermission Student Matinée: 55 minutes
- – Additional materials provided for students: Due to the topical nature of this production, the company is pleased to provide additional preparatory and study materials for teachers & students. The company strongly encourages the use of these materials prior to the performance(s) at your school.
- – Moderator required for this performance: This performance requires that time be made available for a moderated post-show audience discussion. We strongly encourage each host school to provide a moderator who is familiar to the school and who is willing to meet with the company prior to the performance date. Should this not be possible, please contact the company and we will work to provide a moderator for the event.
Native, the stage play, has been adapted as the highly acclaimed feature film: The Problem Of The Hero. Click the link to learn more!
“Yesterday, I had the opportunity to witness the EbzB production of Native. The production was OUTSTANDING! David zum Brunnen as Paul Green and J. Mardrice as Richard Wright give a tour de force performance that will make you think. Ian Finley’s script gets straight to the heart of matter, and offers light to a topic that is often shrouded and hidden. Simply brilliant! See it!”
David Briggs, Presenter, High Point Theatre
This was an excellent, thought-provoking piece. And so well acted. I hope you continue to perform this and have post-play discussions.”
Debra Kaufman, Patron
