non-Knitti-me: Decoration Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, has its roots in the Civil War; however it is difficult to prove conclusively the origins of Memorial Day. It is likely that it had many separate beginnings. Spontaneous gatherings of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

In celebration of Memorial Day, the cast of crew of "Brothers" performed a pared down version of the Civil War opera (6 songs out the 40 in the full-length production). Here are some images from that performance yesterday. (Note: eventhough we were in full costume, we performed in a reader's theater style, that is with no sets, props, backdrops, etc. We also had to utilize hand-held microphones.)

Eli a run away slave who joined the Union Army.

"One day these old chains are bound to break. I'll walk away both free and unafraid. One day when my eyes are wide awake, this nightmare they call slavery's gonna fade."

Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, a rich Northern industrialist family whose eldest daughter marries a Southern plantation owner. He's not very thrilled with his daughter marrying this man, but he has never been able to say no his daughter. (Warning: he's a bigot.)

"These Southern folk just amaze me. They smile so friendly, but they'd just as soon fight. They're backward, arrogant, lazy. They appear to be gracious, as long as you're white."

Thomas and Rachel (nee Cobb) Albert. Thomas is leaving from war and Rachel is not very happy about this.

"It's not about muskets, it's not about guns. It's a question of conscience and my duty being done. It's about honor, perhaps you do not care.

"It's so hard to let you go...it's more than I can bear."

Eli, who becomes a soldier in the Union army after he runs away from slavery in the South, discovers his old master a prisoner of war.

"So this is a Reb, he used to be my master. So this is a Reb, he used to keep me in chains. Whose in bonage now? Hey Master, can you hear me? Looks like these times are different, ain't it funny how things change..."

"Have you heard the news? President Lincoln has been shot in Ford's theatre tonight. Have you heard the news? President Lincoln has been shot, by an actor named John Wilkes Booth."

"For all that happened yesterday, put it all aside. The guns have fallen silent, put it all aside. We are standing at the crossing, but we cannot celebrate. We are newly founded orphans, who are hanging funeral crepe. Hear that whistle in the distance...

"No we can't help but cry, We just can't help but cry, when that black train comes slowly rolling by."

Lyrical Excerpts from "Brothers," by Jebby.

FBC Sacramento Presents:

BROTHERS

A musical Drama About Faith, Family, Freedom and War.

First Baptist Church

2324 L Street, Sacramento, California

(916) 443-6537

June 9th and 10th, 2006

7:30 p.m.

$4.00 advanced tickets

$5.00 at the door

Under 13 free

Free childcare available (6 and under)