Relentless Interview with Tyla Abercrumbie & Ron OJ Parson
Mar 24 Written By Rick McCain
I don't see two identities. I see a continuous journal and a constant standing united on shoulders. There is nothing new about the BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT that isn't a reflection of the movements of the Black Victorian. Although they may look different and from different eras, we fight the same fight. The struggles are the same.
In your Timeline Theatre video, you cited an unrest. What does the "Unrest" mean in this play, and how does it relate to today's political and social unrest?
The "Unrest" in RELENTLESS mirrors the same unrest we are experiencing today. But, unfortunately, the shoulders of this unrest have lured us into a comfort zone where the illusion of change has convinced the world, especially Black Americans, to believe that we have mixed and mingled so well that our injustices aren't different. Somehow convincing ourselves that maybe systemic racism has softened and that words and phrases like INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, AND ANTI RACISM mean change is taking place. But, let's not forget that George Floyd died in the streets with Derek Chauvin's knee on his neck. Ahmad Aubrey was hunted down and shot dead while other Black Americans experienced harassment while sleeping, eating, walking in the park, or listening to music. So, in essence, the unrest lets us know that nothing has changed.
We have lived through this unrest throughout the centuries, from the fights in the 1900s that included Atlanta, Chicago, Rosewood, and the infamous, Black Wall Street in Tusla. This unrest is no different than the slave rebellions. The Unrest in RELENTLESS discusses injustice and our complacency. The fight is the same, and every person must remain RELENTLESS.
In Relentless, the sisters learned things about their mother that were life-changing. What secrets can you share with our readers about these discoveries?
Unfortunately, none but I welcome you to join this fantastic cast for a performance, and you will be riveted with what you learn. I promise.
How does Relentless educate the audience about the Black Suffrage Movement?
RELENTLESS educates you by reminding you that the Black Suffrage Movement existed. Black women played an active role in the movement, participating in political meetings, creating organizations, attending conventions at local churches devising strategies to gain the right to vote. Black women have always been at the forefront of change. While being pushed into the shadows of democracy, invoking Maya Angelou's; Still, I Rise; much like the Women's Movement and the Me Too Movement of today.
The underlying message seems to be understanding the positive impacts of Blacks in America against relentless obstacles. Are you concerned that Relentless will negatively affect our already polarized society or open people's minds regarding the need for the liberation of equality?
No, I don't believe the audience will see RELENTLESS as polarizing. Art is never polarizing. Art is designed to open the audience's minds to see and experience the soul of the art presented on stage.
What is the message you hope people receive after seeing Relentless?
I hope each person will walk away moved to do something that positively impacts someone else. The message is to keep asking soul-searching questions, continuously learning acceptance, being willing to embrace change, and leaning into your fears while embracing them, but don't forget to have a good time. Life is invaluable and very short.
Questions for Ron,
You have directed some well-known playwrights that have written plays that opened the audience's consciousness. After reading the script, what moved you about Relentless?
Relentless takes place in 1919, a tumultuous time in history. Oddly enough, a pandemic was going on; race riots rocked the country, lynching was commonplace, with Chicago being the flashpoint of one of the worst race riots in our history. Yet, during this chaos, black people strive and live a good life, and Relentless gives us a glimpse of that side of Black Americans you rarely see portrayed in theatre or film. That unique storyline made me want to see this story told. I love to educate and entertain with the plays I direct while helping to inspire people to seek the truth.
Relentless has a powerful message of how Black people shaped the History of America. What direction did you envision was needed to bring out this message?
This play has it all, so just telling the truth is the approach I wanted to take with this story. These characters bring to life a story of Black Americans as a people who provided and continue to provide a big part of the history of America that we all need to learn about and witness. Being a premiere, I hope it opens up doors in people's minds to find out more about us during this time.
Black Americans have been characterized negatively throughout society. What do you want audiences to learn from Relentless that will make them seek to educate themselves regarding the inequality and justice Blacks continuously endure?
Let me lead with my last comment. I want the audiences to learn about us, Black Americans, being an essential part of making America. Educate them on the pain and suffering we endured and what racism, inequality, injustice, and a system built for us to fail, can do to us, but we survive. We have to, and we will continue to! We are a "Relentless" people.
You and Tyla have a history of working together. What about that history made this collaboration special?
I tried to get Tyla to send her plays out for years because they were stacking up. Good writing I knew could breathe, and finally, she put one together that I knew after reading it was special, and I was right. Its unique style, the richness of character, beautiful images, and room for designers to explore made it a canvas I wanted to see come to fruition.
How do you feel that theater helped the black playwrights enlighten others above the plight that blacks endured historically and today? And do you believe the struggles to educate others about the black experience are still as problematic today as in the time of this play?
Yes, it is still an issue in today's society, but theatre has been a pilot for black playwrights, directors, and actors to "enlighten" the world to the black experience. It has been a pathway to express who we are and how we have persevered in this country. It is just one of many outlets we use to express ourselves, not only theater, but art, music, and literature.
Let's Play thanks to Tyla and Ron for taking the time to answer our questions and share about Tyla's premiere play, Relentless.
RELENTLESS - January 21 - February 26, 2021, at Theater Wit,
1229 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657. For tickets, go to:
https://timelinetheatre.com/events/relentless/
