Image credit: “The Negro Motorist Green Book” cover, 1940. Courtesy Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, New York Public Library.
On November 16, 2023, Alley Theatre will partner with Holocaust Museum Houston to present “Resonance of Time,” celebrating the historical significance of The Negro Motorist Green Book alongside the Museum’s captivating exhibition. The Negro Motorist Green Book, pioneered by Victor Green, was a beacon of hope and safety for African Americans during a time of segregation and discrimination; the exhibition aims to recreate the essence of that journey, exemplifying how identifying safety has shaped Black culture’s preservation, resilience, and future.
“Resonance of Time,” an immersive performance, will transport the audience through key periods of history, encapsulating the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities. Through captivating performances and evocative settings, it aims to celebrate resilience, inspire reflection, and foster unity within a shared journey while shedding light on the history of Black travel and safe havens in the early-mid 20th Century. The performance will be followed by a rich panel discussion, led by Sarah Trotty, Kianna Wright, and Whitney Brantley on this important period in American history.
Directed, written, and choreographed by Nicolas Stewart of Alley Theatre’s Department of Education and Community Engagement, with the Assistant Direction of Cardero Berryman, “Resonance of Time” features Briana Lott and Justin Chukwujekwu as Sidona and Tevin Daniels, narrated by Keonie Harris. This small play follows a husband and wife as they travel from Harlem, New York to South Central Los Angeles, meeting various historical figures on their journey. The journey mimics a two-day road trip, serving as a metaphor for thirty years of traveling while black in Jim Crow America. It’s complemented by poetry and musical performances spanning the decades during which The Green Book was in publication. Performance styles encompass jazz, step, and hip hop, showcasing professional Houston dancers from various local studios and companies, including the Royal Duchess, D.U.K.E.S. community step team led by Bryce Dill of Spring, Texas, and Young Men Successfully Steppin’ of Baytown, Texas, led by Mikal Jackson and Crystal Branch.
Public programs at Holocaust Museum Houston are presented by Memorial Hermann.
