I have such admiration for Al Letson, a Jacksonville local and the creator and host of State of the Re:Union* on NPR, “a series of in-depth, compelling stories exploring communities and how they are connected.” He also hosts “Freestyle: A Mixtape with Al Letson, “an original broadcast combining storytelling, podcasts and other public radio content.” I first saw him in the amazing documentary, The 904, as a blend of a slam poet/comedian/performer who shared his talents in the film that dove deeply into Jacksonville’s murder rate. (I will confess now that I don’t really know what slam poetry is.) Then I started listening to his radio shows; his talent is undeniable. It’s moving. It’s enlightening. It’s important.
So when my friend invited me and another friend to join her in this local stage production of John Coffey Refuses to Save the World with The 5 & Dime Theater Company, I didn’t even hesitate once I learned it was Letson’s play.
Granted, it was different. One friend used the term “odd.” I wouldn’t say odd; for me it was dense and layered and complex. Two days later, I am *still* trying to unpack the multiple layers of thought-provoking issues and concepts packed into this one act with John Coffey, Mother Abigail, Stephen King, Bagger Vance, and god—with a little g (yes, all of those are characters in this play) on stage.
The play tackles issues of race and the challenges, walls, and corners painted by those who view through a lens of color. It also seems to run head first into the issues of all who are tossed aside with an expectation to merely to play their role in society, some role they never chose or opted for, but one that the others in life place them in, and often one that is there predominantly to make someone else look better or to make someone else’s life easier, without a care for the sacrifices such means for that person tossed aside, playing into that expected role. This is the kind of story-telling that I’m sure I could experience two or three more times and continue to see new things each time. This is meaningful.
The cast was fantastic. In particular, Larry Knight as John Coffey grabbed my heart and held it fast, from his Green Mile-style chuckles to his heart-wrenching innocence shown in trying to understand the why of life and our roles and its existence.
For those local to Jacksonville, the play will be on stage next weekend too at the MOSH. For those not, I urge you to at least put Al Letson on your radar. This man is an important contributor to life, to society, to humanity.
*SOTRU broadcasts on over 150 NPR stations, but if it’s not local to your area, you can find the podcast on its website.