The author of 'One Night in Miami' and co-writer of 'Soul' imagines the pressure and power moves behind the famous Black power salute 19th Olympic Games
When medal-winning U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fists during the national anthem at the 1968 Olympic Games, their silent protest for Black power, freedom and unity lasted just 80 seconds. But the systemic racism that drove their actions, and the price they paid for that moment, are still playing out 55 years later.
Like Powers’ earlier play-turned-screenplay “One Night in Miami,” “The XIXth” is historical fiction that imagines the conversations that occurred at critical moments in U.S. and Black civil rights history. And just like in “One Night in Miami” — which brought together Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown for a fierce confrontation on race and responsibility — “The XIXth” crackles with verbal intensity, while delivering gasp-inducing insights and well-earned laughs.
Smith and Carlos — now in their late 70s — have said in recent years they don’t regret their decision. But this play digs deep into their pain and the disillusionment they experienced with the U.S. and their personal hero, 1936 Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens, who tried to stop their protest in ’68.
Carl Cofield directs the play with visual pop, fleet pacing, muscular energy and welcome humor on a unique set by Riw Rakkulchon with a turntable running track. One of the best-conceived scenes is the race itself, where moments are frozen in time to the sparkle of flashbulbs, and the runners’ internal monologues pour out of their mouths in an blazing-fast cacaphony.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Four Calumet District cops stripped of police powers amid firearm mishandling investigationThe four officers apparently involved were assigned to the department’s Alternate Response Section, the Chicago police department said.
Read more »
Markquis Nowell's epic, record-setting performance powers K-State past Michigan State in OTMarkquis Nowell set an NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists and added 20 points as Kansas State topped Michigan State to reach the Elite Eight.
Read more »
Rory McIlroy powers his way to another win in Match PlayTaken to the 18th hole in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, McIlroy unleashed the shot of the tournament. He smashed a drive on the 375-yard closing hole so magnificently that it pitched on the green and rolled out to just inside 4 feet.
Read more »
Bill busting future Fauci-like dictatorial powers a good post-COVID startSen. Rand Paul and Rep. Chip Roy brought forward legislation to bust up the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases into three separate units led by three separate Senate-confirmed picks. Why? To make sure an Anthony Fauci-like dictator will never again emerge.
Read more »
Adam Sandler performances that showcase his talent | CNNFrom SNL to 'Happy Gilmore' to 'Uncut Gems,' never underestimate the creative powers of Adam Sandler.
Read more »
Appeals Court Rules Trump Attorney Must Testify In Classified Docs ProbeA federal appeals court rejected Former President Donald Trump’s stay request, requiring his attorney Evan Corcoran to testify in the special counsel’s documents probe. See potential bias and similarities in coverage from NRO, thehill, ABC:
Read more »