Spell #7 explores effects of American racism
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
June 9, 2004

Soulistic Playhouse presents Ntozake Shange’s Spell #7, Friday, June 11, through Saturday, June 25, at Pillsbury House Theatre. Set in a local bar, Spell #7 provides an intimate look into the lives of nine struggling actors seeking acceptance, validation and self-respect in a harsh world of stereotypes, rhetoric and minstrel effects.

Directed by Tierra King, Soulistic Playhouse’s (SP) second major production reinvents Ntozake Shange’s “minstrel show,” where the once overt is now subtle and the line between reality and imagination blurs. Featuring an eclectic ensemble of young poets, performance artists and dancers, SP continues its mission to make productions part of a larger, communal movement of change.

“Spell #7 is special to me,” said King, “because, like the characters in it, I too am a struggling artist.” The SP cofounder and artistic director continued, “Self-expression is what you’re aiming for, but being limited to playing a stereotypical part is frustrating. Spell #7 is about moving through that frustration.

“Once you move through that frustration, you can say, ‘This is who I am. This is how I am going to live my life.’ And though it’s a struggle — life is a struggle — I am going to go on and live my life anyway. And, I am not going to compromise myself as an artist to fit someone else’s vision,” she said.

In its exploration of effects of racism in America, Spell #7 also highlights the evolution of Black performers in American theatre and addresses the socioeconomic and political influences on African American theatrical performances as an art form. In addition, it acknowledges the resilience and fortitude of African Americans — and other Americans — yesterday and today.

“We are still about connecting the past with present so that we can learn how to make a better future,” said Stephenetta Harmon, SP cofounder and executive director. “Spell #7 takes us on that journey in which the characters’ struggles transcend time, color and space.”

King agreed.

“It’s not necessarily about acting — it’s about anything you want to do. If you let other people’s opinions stop you from doing what you want to do, that’s also frustrating,” said King. “It means people are limiting what you can do. Why let someone tell you the sky is not the limit, but that the limit is the sky? Yes, in life, there are compromises, but if you compromise yourself, you will never reach your full potential.”