In the spring of 1955 two high school friends meet at an Automat (a streamlined eatery frequented by many in its day) on 42 nd street in New York to catch up on ole times. They have some pie, a soda pop and talk about what they have planned for the future. What is so remarkable about this you ask? When the friends in question are James Baldwin and Richard Avedon I believe one would want to hear what they might have to say. America in the mid 50’s: the politics; McCarthyism; Civil rights; and existing in a post war nuclear age. The culture of Americana: striving for the perfect family; man as the breadwinner; two-car garages; the wife who cooks, cleans, raises 2.3 kids and still finds the time to be glamorous for her husband. Music: Jazz has gone mainstream but everything has taken a back seat to Rock and Roll. The arts, television, film et al. They have more than enough to chat about.
Scribblin’ at the Automat is a fictional account based on actual characters which takes a look at two icons in their respective fields right at the point where everything was going to take off for them. At the time Baldwin’s Go Tell it on the Mountain had introduced him to the literary world and the public at large, a follow up was eagerly anticipated. Likewise Richard Avedon was already successful as a photographer and editor for Harper’s Bazaar, a fashion bible second only to Vogue still to this day.
Nat Creole Literary Editor Brook Stephenson snatched a chance to ask the playwright a few questions.
Brook Stephenson: What was the inspiration for Scribblin' and when did it strike you?
Arthur Alleyne: The actual spark (the seed) for the piece came from a viewing of a special on Avedon and seeing him speak so lovingly of James ( Baldwin). Then after my first play Tragedy Tonite was performed I had one of the actors in mind for the role of James Baldwin. That was a little over two years ago. Even before that I wanted to speak on society and celebrity and use Baldwin (one of my personal heroes) as a platform. I came to realize that not too many people have read his work or are familiar with the man and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
BS: What has been the response from viewers of the past performances of Scribblin'?
AA: The audiences have been encouraging. They take to it in a way I didn't expect. It’s not your normal fair: no romance, no immediate conflict to speak of. The ideas and impressions that are discussed in the piece (and there are many) seem to touch people in a particular way because these questions that pertained to 1955 are still relevant today. The audience gets it; they are smart, there is always a stimulating question and answer session afterwards.
BS: So what is your intent for Scribblin'-where should it run, how often, etc..?
AA: You can't ask me that question. You have to ask someone else. I can't be objective, it's my baby. And you always want to see your child do well. So BAM here in BK, ideally the Public Theatre, for the type of theatergoer who would definitely appreciate this level of storytelling, and eventually end up on Broadway at the August Wilson Theater. Best case scenario is a long run so I can see the actors embody these characters and make them their own.
BS: What do you believe is the essence of this work?
AA: As a writer I am taken by how one captures their experience and makes it relate to others like p laywrights Neil Simon, John Guare and David Mamet; each has a different background and uses theater to show how diverse the cultural landscape is in America. Each brings his unique personal voice like August Wilson, may he rest in peace, chronicled the African American experience from decade to decade and presented it in a grand fashion. I want to speak to the human condition as it relates to me; a black man and all the negative preconceptions that come with that at this time. And not just to set the record straight but delve into the why of things. Dispel as many stereotypes that keep being pushed in the media as well the entertainment field. I believe if you present something relevant to your audience they will patronize it and young people, plus the occasional theatergoer, will come out. Scribblin' is a look back but you have to know where you came from before you can see where you're going.
BS: How did you secure a reading at Danny Simmon's Corridor Gallery?
AA: My business partner in idegosuperego media inc. Eternal Polk knows Danny. They live in the neighborhood and have attended similar events. I knew of Danny as an artist and of his gallery but it was Eternal who convinced him to put up the play at the Corridor Gallery after our showcase at 275 Grand last year made some buzz. I am grateful to Mr. Simmons and the staff, they have been so helpful.
BS: What are some of your inspirations and processes as a playwright?
AA: My two influences as a playwright are I think polar opposites as far as style, I mentioned two giants in the American theater earlier: August Wilson and David Mamet, as well as the explosive work of Irish playwright Martian McDouagh (The Beauty Queen of Leenane). I liken my work to each one of them. First I aim to provoke people by riling up the audience then get my point across. Next I want to be challenged. Hopefully I can challenge you, the audience, as well by speaking on things that others think about but don't discuss. And taking on a project I can learn from and present in an interesting fashion.
BS: Who is the ideal audience for Scribblin'? Describe them in as many ways as possible, male, female, creative, etc...
AA: Is this a trick question? The ideal audience would not be the average Broadway audience member, they're people from out-of-town who want the family fare of a big musical. The crowd for this would be someone not wanting the same ole thing and is seeking out something literate and engaging. Anyone with an artistic bent would be interested in the characters alone. I know the African American audience would appreciate it, given the right marketing, as well as the person that reads the New York Times, other news magazines, watches PBS and listens to public radio. I believe the piece falls into that category.
BS: If people take one thing away from Scribblin' what would you like it to be?
AA: I never thought about that because the nature of the work can leave so many different impressions. If I had to choose I would say the richness of the American experience, because we don't have to be of like mind to get along, and how it can mean different things to different people be it (communicated through) the church, music, written works of fiction, film. All of the above (subjects) garner a response when mentioned in the play. This is not a dystopian society. We can have varied interests.
BS: Discuss the actors in this particular production in comparison to past productions.
AA: First I've been fortunate for people to take to my work the way they do. Second there are so many talented people who never get the opportunity to showcase their talents because of the limited roles for actors of color in general there is a wellspring I can draw from. I always come away wishing there were more rolls for me to offer when I cast.
My original cast of Juan Loney as JB, Avedon played by Scott Nath, and Nicole Davenport as Pearl had a language all their own. Because we had worked on the play from the inception, we all became quite close. You can see the comradery between my lead actors as well as the playfulness between Scott (Avedon) and Nicole ( Pearl). I learn from each cast and this present cast is no exception; Grace Savage this time around as Pearl; the school teacher with distinct opinions, Steven Bennett playing James and David as Avedon pose insightful questions that make me go back and revaluate my own piece. They challenge me as a writer \ director to make it all work given the scope of the material and they are equally up to the challenge. Like my first cast I applaud them and their stellar efforts.
Writer and director Arthur Alleyne was told as a child to speak up, now we can't get him to shut up. He lives in Brooklyn and exists harmoniously in time and space. Scribblin’ at the Automat will be held at a spot near you. Stay tuned. |
