Written and Directed by LAYON GRAY inspired by true events, Black Angels Over Tuskegee is a vibrantly energetic, emotionally captivating, award-winning drama that tells the story of six trail-blazing men who exhibited courage to excel in spite of overwhelming odds. The play explores their collective struggle with Jim Crow; challenging their intelligence, patriotism, brotherhood, and dreams of an inclusive and fair society. The play goes beyond the headlines of popular stories and reveals the heart and soul of the Tuskegee Airmen who exhibited courage to excel, in spite of all the overwhelming odds against them.
"Black Angels Over Tuskegee," a captivating theatrical production both written and directed by Layon Gray, stands as a vivid embodiment of true events that are both historically significant and emotionally resonant. Inspired by the remarkable lives of the Tuskegee Airmen, this award-winning drama breathes life into the stories of six trailblazing men who defied the constraints of their time, showcasing their unwavering courage to succeed in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
With its vibrant energy and emotionally charged narrative, the play brings to the forefront the experiences of these exceptional individuals who shattered barriers and overcame adversity during an era characterized by racial segregation and discrimination. Set against the backdrop of a deeply segregated society marked by the oppressive Jim Crow laws, "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" delves into the collective struggles of these remarkable men. The play not only chronicles their fight for acceptance and recognition but also delves into their personal journeys, exploring themes of intelligence, patriotism, brotherhood, and the pursuit of dreams within the confines of an exclusive and unjust society.
The production masterfully goes beyond surface-level portrayals, transcending mere historical documentation to reveal the very heart and soul of the Tuskegee Airmen. It peels back the layers of popular narratives, providing audiences with a more profound understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and indomitable spirit that defined this group of pioneers. The courage displayed by the Tuskegee Airmen, as showcased in the play, serves as a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity.
As the play unfolds, viewers are invited to witness the transformative journey of these men as they navigate a world that often questioned their abilities and aspirations due to their race. Through stirring performances, "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" invites the audience to empathize with the sacrifices and victories of the Tuskegee Airmen, fostering a deeper connection to their legacy and the broader struggle for equality and justice.
In essence, "Black Angels Over Tuskegee" is not just a play; it is an emotional odyssey that honors the resilience, courage, and camaraderie of those who pushed the boundaries of possibility during a pivotal moment in history. Layon Gray's artistic vision brings these stories to life, ensuring that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen continues to shine brightly, inspiring audiences to challenge adversity and strive for excellence in the pursuit of their dreams.
"Black Angels Over Tuskegee manages to do all three and one thing more:
It inspires. “ – BackStage
“Doing triple duty as a playwright, director, and actor, Layon Gray presents
a compelling and heartfelt look at an all too often overlooked aspect of black,
military, and American history with his absolutely brilliant drama Black
Angels Over Tuskegee.” – The Epoch Times
“Gray has taken the time to set up these characters and they are all so
incredibly well acted, there is an audience craving to know what happens to
each of them. The commanding ensemble embody how deeply-felt,
specific acting can be.” – NY Theatre.com
“Powerful...well-staged and the characters so realistic that the audience can't
help but be thoroughly moved by the time the narrator reaches the end.”
– Associated Press
“The author has a natural feel for dialogue and has created seven distinct,
believable young men. – CBS News
“Black Angels is a consequential story, told through a captivating narrative
and painted with a respectful brush. The writing is both astute and playful,
making for exceptional characterization. “ – Theasy.com
“A deeply wonderful production that takes an important historical event,
presents it in a very intimate manner, and demands a personal response to its
characters.” – NYTheatre.com
“Layon Gray is a renaissance man with imposing imagination.”
– Los Angeles Times
“This show is tough to resist. By the end, when the pilots overcame their obstacles
and finally got up into the air to the swelling of music, tears welled up in my eyes.”
– The New York Times
Vibrantly energetic and emotionally captivating,
Black Angels Over Tuskegee is a narrative of six men embarking
upon a journey to become the first black aviators in the United States
Army Air Forces during a tumultuous era of racial segregation
and Jim Crow idealism in twentieth century American history.
The play uplifts and inspires audiences. The production
movingly illustrates how the men unite in brotherhood to
achieve a communal vision.
The cast consists of seven young African-American men and
one Caucasian man, as follows:
Quinten Dorsey – Outgoing, high energy, quick wit, likable
Abraham Dorsey – Gregarious, fun, protective, competitive, intense, sensitive
Elijah Sam – Ex-boxer turned educator, well read, peacekeeper, glue
Percival Nash – Laid back, fun loving
Jeremiah Jones – Quiet, loose cannon, speaks his mind, internally pained
Theodore Franks – Soft spoken, steel presence, southern, mild mannered
Major Roberts – Strong, intense, high energy, tyrant, demanding
Young Man – reflective, strong presence, engaging, story teller
"I am receiving a wealth of information, support and life changing advice from the very supportive members of the African American Performing Arts Center."
"Vision. Integrity. Community."
