Charleston Stage’s “Purlie Victorious”: A Poignant Performance That Sparks Essential Conversations

By Mark A. Leon

An exceptional cast highlights this celebration of the African American Civil Right struggle in the South and path to a better life with thoughtfulness and compassion

Charleston, South Carolina known for exquisite homes, internationally inspired architecture and a banquet of exceptional Southern cuisine is also the central location where a quarter of a million enslaved African Americans came into the colonies forced to leave their homes and families and work for wealthy plantation owners under unforgivable conditions.  This was not a period looked upon with pride, but a cultural norm inherited by a new nation.  Yet in 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom, it was only the beginning of a long road ahead and a journey that is not yet over.

Charleston Stage has used its platform to further the conversation, tackling critical issues with its bold theater.  Purlie Victorious may be one of the boldest projects ever.

Purlie Victorious, is a two act play developed by the comedic vision of legendary actor Ossie Davis and interpreted for the Lowcountry by Charleston Stage with the passionate direction of Henry Clay Middleton.  It tells the story of Purlie Victorious who returns to Georgia where he was raised to get reparations so he can buy the Big Bethel Church and offer an integrated sanctuary to celebrate community and love of God.

With exquisite costume and set design that immediately ushers you to a different period in American history; one filled with struggle and a guided torch leading from darkness to light, Purlie Victorious submerges you into a story of humor, deception, love, conviction and healing.

With the assistance of family and friends, Purlie defeats ignorance and centuries of repression with charm, wit and weapons of the educated.

Standing in his way is the captain, whose connections and corruption runs deep. He is fully aware slavery has ended but resists progress making the goals of Purlie even more difficult.  This is a true test of good vs evil.

Family:  The core of Civil Rights and Equality

With the onset of media and television, the country saw a different view of the Civil Rights Movement including extraordinary scenes of violence, rallies, marches and amplified speeches inspired by women and men of vision, but at the core, was the family unit.  This is the heart of Purlie Victorious.

Sitting at the kitchen table with sweet potato pie, sharing stories and keeping legacies alive is where we understand the true bond.  In their home was laughter, love, faith and aspirations for a better tomorrow.  Purlie’s family like most were realists, but they found good even in the worst of times.  

These scenes of family were so beautifully orchestrated and the subtle reminder of how generations of African Americans survived through togetherness and faith were touching.

Southland:  The times are charging 

For over a century after slavery was abolished, whites in the South took advantage of the African Americans exposing their lack of wealth, education and connections and restricting a journey toward equality.  This manipulation led to African Americans continuing to work for white plantation owners in the South and being treated in much the same way with unlivable wages.  This does not go unnoticed in the play. 

What will the audience expect?

The acting is superb retaining the language of the time with passion and thoughtfulness.  Costume design was flawless with careful consideration for style and material.  The set design, creating 3 unique locations on one set was masterful.  There is no doubt you will experience a quality performance, but as an audience member, you may have mixed feelings.

The language is raw and authentic to a challenging period in American history.  Words we deem unacceptable today, were commonplace in the 1960’s and contextually important to the story.  Feelings of mistreatment and deception, mockery and violence are critical to the storyline.

One of the brilliant things Ossie Davis brought to the original script was humor and authenticity.  To be able to capture a time of transition; a time of uncertainty; a time when culture had to change for the better, with sensibility, poise and humor is truly what makes this play continue to be relevant today.

We applaud the courage of the cast, director, producers, set design, costume designers and the entire crew at Charleston Stage.  This is an important play and so beautifully done.  We feel it is a must see if only to continue and deepen the conversation.

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