Lewis Johnson, a character in the “more than just a musical” titled Many Thousands Gone, takes the audience on a journey of slavery. He explains, through his own stories, how he was treated and the heartache he experienced due to separation from his family.
Lewis, played by University of Memphis student Carlos Coleman, starts his journey when he gets off a boat in America. The play tells the story of the hardships of slavery, using music, dance and poetry.
“It is very eclectic,” said Coleman, a junior majoring in theater. “It is history, but not bombarding. You are drawn into it, and you will definitely leave with something,”
Coleman and around 70 other cast members will be performing at the Rose Theatre Monday night in a first-time performance at The University of Memphis.
The play, which is in its eight season, is performed at Abundant Grace Fellowship, a nondenominational church on east Raines Road.
Jacqueline Jones, manager of The U of M’s child care center, assisted in bringing the production to University students.
“I urge teachers to recommend their history and African American studies students to come and see this play,” Jones said. “They will get a better understanding and feel for slavery.”
Many Thousands Gone is the brainchild of Pastor Duane Hunt of Abundant Grace Fellowship, who began writing the musical ten years ago, basing the music on old spirituals.
“I then added poetry to make it more authentic, with some 20th century authors talking about slavery,” said Hunt, who will mark his 13th year as a pastor in April. “The cast presents themselves as the slaves.”
Hunt said dance was naturally added into the production, due to its integral place in the lives of many slaves.
He said Many Thousands Gone is intended to absorb viewers and take them back in time.
According to Hunt, the difference between reading about slavery and seeing this production is that the play uses senses and emotions, resulting in a deeper, more emotional understanding than can usually be gotten from a book.
The cast ranges in ages from 9-years-old to 84-years-old.
Those who work with Hunt say that his dedication to the production is the reason for its success.
“Pastor Hunt is a perfectionist,” said Alicia Williamson, cast member and sophomore education major at The U of M.
Williamson, who recites two poems in the play, said rehearsals run smoothly despite the large cast.
“Pastor Hunt is really down to earth,” Williamson said. “Even though he is a perfectionist, he compliments us and thanks us for our time. He teaches us to learn not only our part, but everyone else’s part so we will know and understand what they are talking about.”
Williamson, who is performing for the second time in the musical, said it is important for not only for African Americans, but everyone, to see the play.
Although the subject of slavery is an unhappy one, the play itself does not end sadly.
“You are not depressed when you leave,” said Jackie McCreight, staff writer and U of M alumnus. “It ends on a happy note.”
McCreight said the play has been challenging, but the audience really experiences the trauma of a slave’s life.
According to McCreight, when a mother’s child is sent to another plantation and the inhuman treatment of slaves is portrayed on the stage, the audience really feels their pain.
The play will perform on The U of M campus in The Rose Theater at 8:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, 2002. It is free to the public.
