Reign Review: Thurgood At GEVA Theatre
Written by Andre on October 30, 2018
“Equal justice under law”, Thurgood Marshall was determined to make a difference and leave his fingerprint on this world which is exactly what he did.
Running now through November 18 is the production Thurgood by George Stevens, Jr. and directed by Lou Bellamy at GEVA Theatre.
Let me tell you this is a brilliant production! Yes, you learn a thing or two about American history but it is fun and Lester Purry who plays Thurgood Marshall is sensational!
Purry takes you on a hell of an emotional ride connecting with your heart, then your mind. He keeps you engaged so much so that you don’t even realize he did a Benjamin Button on you until the middle of the production!
Becoming the first African-American Supreme Court Justice in 1967, Thurgood, first and most importantly in 1954 won the Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.
If you are not familiar with the Brown v. Board case you should definitely head to GEVA Theatre to see this production. You will learn the significance of this case and the effect the laws at that time had on the mindset of African American children which ironically still exists today.
This case also set the stage for equal rights for black and brown people across America and the end of the Jim Crow laws in the south.
If you are a teacher or a principal of any school in the Rochester area I highly suggest working out a way to get your students to this production.
It touches on self-love, self-hate, and gives examples of when to fight and what battles you should use your mind to fight instead of physical violence.
Again, Lester Purry gives a stellar performance! Make it a date, make it a class trip, make it a night out it doesn’t matter just get yourself to GEVA.
Check out Lester Purry hanging out with Tariq from the WDKX Wake Up Club at the UNCF HBCU College Fair at the Riverside Convention Center.
https://vimeo.com/297987107
