A rape. A Jew. A struggling African-American family. A dramatic masterpiece. No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs, written by John Henry Redwood, was performed by the Arena Players in downtown Baltimore this past weekend.
The year is 1949 and the African-Americans of North Carolina are discriminated against just as much as the Jews of Munich are. This is why Yaveni (David Berkenblit), a Jewish man, and Mattie, an African-American woman, become close friends and share secrets. Although slavery has long since ended by this time, the lynching of African-Americans was still a typical practice in the South, and raping of African-American women was not uncommon. Mattie becomes the victim of a brutal rape and must deal with an unplanned pregnancy, an angry husband and two daughters growing up in such an environment.
On a small stage with little scenery, this story of an African-American family in trouble and their controversial friendship with a Jew comes to life. Mattie (Cheryl Pasteur) has a powerful impact on the audience with her motherly instincts combined with her bitter rage at her unfortunate situation. Her husband, Rawl (Michael Kane), embodies the perfect image of a good husband, good father and jealous man. As you watch, the story unfolds as to why Aunt Cora (Sandra Meekins) has become a mourning widow as her ear-piercing screeches haunt the stage.
But the heart and soul of this production is Matoka (Brianna Hollimon), the eleven-year- old tomboy who talks too much and has an attitude problem. She steals the stage with the humor she brings to the role, and an innocent smile that keeps the eyes of the audience on her. Through all the troubles her family experiences, Matoka retains that look of wonder on her face that reminds you she is a young, innocent child just waiting to be taught the ways of life.
Her sister, Joyce (Yolanda Jenkins), is a typical teenager who just wants to be all grown-up and believes the world revolves around her. At one point her mother even says to her, "You young people think life started when your life started. No! A whole lot of people were here before you were even a dream..." This is consistent with the idea that people are affected by the past, and history can sometimes come back to haunt you, a theme portrayed throughout the entire production.
Mattie tries to teach her children that you must learn from this past and embrace it. And she is tough on them; very tough. From the slap Mattie gives her daughter across the face, to the chills you can see run down Mattie's back, there is not an unbelievable moment in this production. It makes the audience giggle, and shed a tear, cry, and roar with laughter. You are able to emotionally connect with the characters as well as learn about the situation of an entire population at once.
At first, I did not find the title of this play appropriate, but the production No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs is worthy of its emotionally disturbing title. And it is worthy of our praise as well.
