‘Divided We Fall’ debuts at the African American Research and Cultural Center Library
By Jimmie Davis, Jr.
The motto of the great Commonwealth of Kentucky is “United we stand, divided we fall” and if African Americans and Jamaicans continue to allow cultural conflicts to exist between them, then the Black community will undoubtedly tumble.
To bring attention to the rapid moral decline that’s sandwiched between Jamaicans and Black Americans, the lovely Sharon Cummings sat down and wrote a stage play entitled “Divided We Fall”.
“I wrote the play primarily so we could come together and have unity before we destroy one another,” said Cummings during intermission of her play that was unveiled Saturday at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC). “We are all one. Why are we fighting against each other all of the time – it’s ridiculous.”
The play has a brilliant plot that’s based on an adaptation of the Broadway hit “West Side Story”.
She joined together the cultural differences of music, ideology, attire, dance and language between Black Americans and Caribbean’s to illustrate that these are not problematic issues that constitute hatred of one another.
Cummings who founded Déjà Vu Theatre Productions Inc. in 2002 isn’t a neophyte to the entertainment arena; she staged her very first theatrical performance at the AARLCC when they first opened in 2002.
Déjà Vu is a non-profit corporation and Cummings needs the support of the community at-large to keep promoting productions.
“I would definitely love to take the play on the road,” she said. “We are creating a buzz about the play in the South Florida community.”
Not only is Cummings bringing first-rate plays to the community – she makes avail-able an opportunity for both professionals and undiscovered talent of all ages, to hone their skills.
“This is an avenue for kids to showcase their talent, and channel their energy for something that’s very productive,” said Jacqueline Williams, spokeswoman for Déjà Vu. “There’s so much talent in Florida. Our actors and actresses get plenty of hands on experience and get to move on to something else.”
Andrea Reece is one such actress whose career spans from several television shows such as “Alley McBeal”, “ER”, and “Seventh Heaven” to theatre appearances which includes “A Raisin in the Sun” too mention a few.
Déjà Vu provides several plays/skits and one major play for the South Florida community throughout the year.
Jonathan Anderson, member of the African American Advisory Council of Hollywood is very socially connected to the Black community attended the play and says he was very impressed with the story line.
“I love the theme and what it’s trying to impart upon the community,” Anderson said. “I enjoyed it very much. Coming from a social perspective – it’s a good cause.”
“Divided We Fall” was sponsored by the Friends of the AARLCC.
To continue bringing plays to the community, and allowing youths to display their God given talents – Déjà Vu needs financial support/sponsors.
For further information a-bout future plays – sponsorship packages or becoming involved with Déjà Vu please call (954) 557-7491 or (954) 478-4883 or email Cummings at dejavutheatre.fl@gmail.com
