Ragtime
Ragtime is a story about life in America at the beginning of the 20th century.
The book/musical/movie highlights the pressing issues of the day - intertwining immigration, racism, politics, industrialization, and social upheaval. Historical figures from Booker T. Washington to Harry Houdini to J.P. Morgan are woven into the story among fictional characters.
The show focuses on three families from different socioeconomic groups - one white, protestant, upper-middle class; one socialist immigrant Russian-Jewish and one African-American. The lives of the family members intertwine, as they struggle to live in an America where "anything is possible".
For a full synopsis of the complicated story, go here:
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/ragtime/summary.html
I had the opportunity to see the musical this weekend and the thought that kept running through my head (as I watched a truly amazing production, and cried - twice!), was that in spite of our technological advances, things really haven't changed much in this country.
Sure we've made progressive strides towards equality and what not, but in spite of it, in spite of those strides and the blood, sweat and tears that made them happen - there are powerful people working their lives away to push us back from where we came. I am certain that if we don't stop to reflect and understand where we came from and honor those many people gave their lives to move us forward as human beings, we are doomed. There really is no other way than to progress, the alternative is unacceptable.
I'd like to thank the San Antonio Playhouse who put on such a great show at the Empire theater this weekend. Thank you too, for reminding me how much farther we need to go.
Here's a well-deserved review:
http://sanantonio.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-The-Playhouse-Presents-a-Beautiful-Effective-Understated-RAGTIME-20130801-page2?fb_action_ids=10201605998061942&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%2210201605998061942%22%3A186455968196555}&action_type_map={%2210201605998061942%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map=[]
So to those who think that the state of affairs this country is facing is the worse it's ever been - learn our collective history. I'ts the best thing you can do for yourself and your fellow Americans. I was given a history lesson this weekend, a well-needed dose of reality and inspiration.