BY JESSICA NEU
About halfway into Prime Stage Theater’s production of Look Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story, NAACP Rep & Narrator (DeVaughn Robinson) asks the audience to raise their hand if they were alive in 1960. Roughly a third of the audience raised their hand, indicating they were alive when Ruby Bridges courageously walked into an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bridge’s brave steps toward integration occurred only 64 years ago.
Director Linda Haston brings Natalia Temesgen play to the New Hazlett Theater to remind us of the importance of this revolutionary time not so long ago. We enter the Bridges home where six-year-old Ruby (Saniya Lavelle) begs her mother, Lucille Bridges (Joylette Portlock), to go tree climbing. Her mother permitted Ruby to play outside, but she had to be back soon because a representative from the NAACP was coming to meet with the Bridges family to discuss where Ruby would attend school. Mrs. Bridges was eager for Ruby to be the first African American child to integrate into an all-white school. However, Ruby’s father, Abon Bridges (Richard McBride), was far more apprehensive.
Many scholars, including philosopher Hannah Arendt, have criticized the decision to integrate African American children into all-white schools at that time. They argue that it was irresponsible of legislative officials and Civil Rights activists to allow children to bear the responsibility of mending societal problems. Haston’s direction excels in portraying the dichotomy of pros and cons involved in such a grave decision. Abon grappled with the decision to enroll Ruby in an all-white school, questioning his wife’s “rosy view” of the situation and exactly why their daughter needed to be the first child enrolled instead of someone else’s child.
As Ruby’s parents remained steadfast in their Christian faith and love for one another, they decided to allow Ruby, with the assistance of two Federal Marshals (John Dolphin and Daniel LaMond), to attend the all-white school.
Sound designer Samantha Magill punctuated Ruby’s entrance with recorded audio of protestors heckling Ruby as she walked into school. Once in her classroom, Ruby met her teacher, Mrs. Henry (Stacia Paglieri). She was surprised to realize she was the only student in her class. Paglieri is the perfect, warm, endearing first-grade teacher any student would love. The ongoing protests and absent classmates never deterred Ruby or Mrs. Henry. The two formed an indelible bond that surpassed any math or grammar lesson. From Ruby innocently mocking Mrs. Henry’s Boston accent to learning the concept of a prism, Paglieri and Lavelle proved that an open heart and an open mind are the most powerful tools in education and in life.
From the opening scenes to the final bow, Lavelle delivered a performance filled with child-like innocence and mature tenacity. She was never scared, a message that she repeated continuously. Lavelle convincingly portrayed a young girl who truly believed with her whole heart that God makes no mistakes and prayed for God to forgive the white people who rejected her presence. Though there are strenuous moments when Ruby questions her place in this world, Haston balances this turmoil with gentle reminders of the power of representation and, once again, faith.
Ruby eventually makes a friend, Pam (Savannah Wiles). The two girls share a moment during recess, playing “Miss Mary Mack.” Their timing and trepidation bespoke a beautiful metaphor for their uncertainty over playing together. This skepticism was derived from adults’ beliefs and challenged their instincts to be friends despite their racial differences. They quickly realized that their instincts were correct and reveled in their newfound friendship. Differences are nothing to fear, for we are all the same inside, and God makes no mistakes.
Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story is an important play for audiences of all ages. The show is suitable for young children with a run time of approximately one hour. Adults can even access a card with common questions and conversation starters for children after the show.
The ensemble understands the gravity of their roles, and they tell Ruby’s story with grace and dignity. Mrs. Henry tells Ruby she has taught her and New Orleans so much. Looking Forward reminds us of the importance of inclusion, the power of faith, and never being scared.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Prime Stage Theatre presents Look Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story at the New Hazlett Theater, with seven performances from January 17 – 26. 2025. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/mwm432kx
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews
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