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Event
Dutchman by Amiri Baraka: A reading & Community Forum
"The Dutchman" by Leroi Jones (he now goes by the name Amiri Baraka) is a short and surprising one-act play that stresses to bring racism and prejudice to the forefront of the audience's mind, and succeeds with perhaps flying colors.
The action of the play takes place on a New York City subway between a young black man, Clay, and a flirtatious white woman, Lula. The play focuses on the racial and sexual tension between the two, catapulting back and forth from various extremes and ending in a tragedy. The two main characters send verbal barrages back and forth between them. Lula especially criticizes Clay for being an "accomodationist" wearing the clothes and having the education of wealthy white men.
Some critics see this as the voice of the Black Nationalist Baraka and his disdain for these so called accomodationists. Lulu finally manages to drive Clay into a fit of rage in which he delivers a blistering, angry monologue. Lulu has finally heard what she wanted to hear, and she promptly stabs Clay to death. The play ends as Lulu is measuring her next young black victim.
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LocationThe Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center
311 E. Grand River
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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