Synopsis
Southern Cross
Published by Dramatists Play Service
8 Male 3 Female
The more familiar stories include General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea, Huey Long's rise and fall, Martin Luther King's struggles in Selma, and the exploitation of Elvis Presley
Lesser known figures also share the stage: defiant landowners, runaway slaves and brave martyrs to the cause of freedom
And a steam boat captain is on hand to contribute a little typical folklore
Historical moments are juxtaposed to show the echoes and resonances of history
For example, the humorous, joyful adventure of a slave who ferried hundreds of people to freedom across the Ohio River, is followed by tear gas and clubs as a freedom marcher attempts to cross the Edmund Pettis Bridge
Finally, all the different stories of the play come together in a chilling finale
Epic events cross over and parallel each other in this panoramic view of Southern American history
By using famous figures and landmark events, Southern Cross reveals the origins of the present by beautifully illustrating the injustices, loves and struggles of the past