Many plays about African American history have been hitting Chicago’s theater scene for Black History Month 2007. The outstanding Jeffrey Sweet’s Court Martial is the 12th production at Victory Gardens and has the potential to impact people of all walks of life through important information about African American history. Based on a surprising historical discovery, Court Martial is the story of two bold young African American women who stood up for their rights in the United States Army, Forte Devens.
The main character in the play was Virginia Boyd (Erica Ratliff), a former United States Secretary of the Treasury who willingly joined the army in order to become a Private. The reason why she was able to enter the army in the 1940s, was because Eleanor Roosevelt gave women the permission to serve in the U.S. Army. Boyd along with Johnnie Mae (Samantha D. Tanner) and Gertude (Lili-Anne Brown) were all promised the opportunity of being medical technicians. Instead, they end up washing the floors of the medical facilities. Colonel Kimball (James Krag) did not believe in equality for women. He showed no respect to the women in the army (especially African Americans). Boyd, having a strong sense of pride and self-esteem always stood up for herself and even went so far as to call for a Court Martial. Her sassy yet strong willed partner was Johnnie Mae. The NAACP became involved and the case began.
The impact that each character was powerful, Kimball was a stubborn white male that helped to understand just how racism played a role in close-minded individuals. Erica Ratliff played the role of Virginia Boyd with total confidence and a regal, in-your-face type of attitude. Boyd’s skepticism helped her to have a clear view of every action throughout the play. Samantha D. Tanner made the role of Johnnie Mae so hilarious. Her character did say one of the most powerful lines in the play. Velma Austin played the character of Tenola Stoney perfectly because the character could not show any weaknesses because she possessed more power as an African American woman. Another phenomenal woman, Victoria Lawson played by Cameron Feagin. She struggled as a woman, though she happened to be white. Women did not have much equality in the Army.
The characters were position to face the audience at all times. And the sets were beautifully organized and the transition from one scene to another ran smoother than one would think.
The play kept the audience wanting to take in more information. The historical aspects of the play were not only informative but also intriguing. None of what went on in the army at that time was all that surprising but the strength of the women would surprise anyone. Who knew that African American women stood up for their rights in the army? Sweet’s objective was to give the audience a clear view of how black women were treated.
In the Court Martial two African American Privates showed us the how the court came up with their verdict. Most cases at that time did not deal with the morality of the issue but one-sided thoughts. Fairness was not even a factor then. As long as the Army went out to fight and was winning, no one cared about what happened behind the scenes.
Court Martial has an intense feel to it. The use of the words “colored” and “white” were used many times in the play. And it basically put the audience in states of shock. The play was “real”, the characters were strong in their views. The actors and actresses sent the audience into another time period: a time period in which everything was not as easy. It is a powerful play that requires thought and analysis.
Being taken into a time period of struggle and inequality just reminds us that life is not easy. Some people can still relate to the play, other aspects of life, and not necessarily to the Army. Fighting for what one believes in can bring great happiness but the struggle will make us more victorious.
Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773.871.3000, Tuesday——Thursday 7:30 PM, $26-$45, Through March 11.