Review Fix chats with The Buffalo Hero of World War I: The Wayne Miner Story producer and playwright Kenthedo Robinson, who discusses the inspiration for the production and more.
About the Production:
The Buffalo Hero of World War I: The Wayne Miner Story
NEW YORK at American Theatre of Actors, 314 W. 54th NYC
Thurs. Oct. 24 7:PM; Fri. Oct. 25 7PM; Sat. Oct. 26 2PM & 7PM; Sun. Oct. 27 3:PM. Tickets: $20 Discount Codes: Sen. Cit. SCTBH; Students/Teachers STBH; Transit Workers TWUTBH; Veterans VETTBH. For info: [email protected] / 917-523-2823
THEN REGIONALLY at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Central, Kansas City, Mo. 64108, November 22-24. General Tickets Price $25 / Gala Performance $50. Tickets @ Brownpapertickets.com
The Buffalo Hero of World War I: Based on a True Story: After acclaimed runs in New York, Kenthedo Robinson’s powerful account of the difference one African-American soldier made in the course of history will return for a New York encore performance before being part of a special celebration of the Buffalo Soldiers in Kansas City. The special weekend of performances at the American Theatre of Actors is the last time this deep exploration into the life of an unsung hero will be shown in New York before it begins its national presence.
The Buffalo Hero of World War I: The Wayne Miner Story, written by Kenthedo Robinson and directed by Ajene D. Washington. Despite inadequate training and inferior weapons, Buffalo Soldiers won medals and became hailed as heroes. This is the story of one of them.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Kenthedo Robinson: I was approached to write a play about the last soldier to die in WWI, a Buffalo Soldier, Pvt. Wayne Miner. That created tremendous interest in me. Also, there was one surviving letter that accounted the last hours of his death, just three hours before the armistice was signed.
Review Fix: What is your creative process?
Robinson: After lots and lots of research, I created characters that would surround the central character and help tell the story of his heroic efforts to bring democracy to the world.
Review Fix: What did you learn/are learning about yourself through this process?
Robinson: I have learned that history is extremely important in pinpointing where I am and where we are as a people. Following American Wars and all the effects before and after them has given me that sense of where we are.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this piece for the future?
Robinson: My ultimate goal is to get as many people young and senior to be exposed to the efforts of men who sacrificed their life for us to leave free in the world
Also, production wise, I would love for this play to be produced at the African American Museum in Washington, DC.
Review Fix: What’s next ?
Robinson: There are a few plays tugging at me right now: A play about Crispus Attucks, about The Triple Nickels (Buffalo Soldier Paratroopers), Charlie Parker set against the back drop of the Orpheus and Euyridice Story.
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