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Information for Clients
Thurgood Marshall's Coming!
Winner of the ABA 2005 Silver Gavel Honorable Mention Award in Theatre!May 17, 2004 marked the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS, which legally ended racial segregation in the public schools in the United States. The lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the cases that are now known as "Brown," was Thurgood Marshall, a passionate and embattled civil rights lawyer. Thurgood Marshall is one of the giant figures in the history of American jurisprudence. He was born into poverty and grew up in the Jim Crow racism of the early twentieth century. He was the first African American to serve as Solicitor General of the United States and went on to become the first African American to serve as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Some called Marshall "Mr. Civil Rights," but he never wanted to be known as a "civil rights leader." He saw the law as the arena where minorities and oppressed citizens could find relief and he wanted to be known first, last and always as a lawyer. He was a powerful, resourceful and successful advocate for individual human and civil rights and continues to serve as a model for tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.
Thurgood Marshall's Coming!, featuring T. Mychael Rambo as Marshall, is a full-length play that portrays Marshall as an old man as he ruminates and relives past trials and victories. The play uses Marshall's mastery of language, storytelling and imitation to create a powerful solo presentation. He is direct without being too blunt or rude and he "tells it like it is," without prevarication. His sense of humor and equanimity counteract some of the bitterness he felt in his long journey. His legal arguments and masterful rhetorical style are at once evocative and entertaining. Using Marshall's own writings and reflections, the play explores racism and civil rights issues and provides an engaging tool to facilitate audience discussion.
What Attendees Are Saying About This Show
- "Outstanding presentation! The audience was spellbound and we all gained new insights into the life of this extraordinary man. I would highly recommend your program to others as a welcome and refreshing alternative to the more traditional lectures and panel discussion on serious topics, like these."
(Dale R. Harris, President, Colorado Bar Association)
- "Congratulations on Impeach Justice Douglas! It was fantastic! A job well done. I don't know when I have enjoyed an evening more."
(Thomas G. Fritz, Past President, State Bar of South Dakota)
- "Impeach Justice Douglas! is a stunning theatrical and educational success. Thatcher's impressive portrayal of Bill Douglas is on target and highlights the passion and conscience of one of America's uncommon champions of the Bill of Rights."
(Tom Cronin, President, Whitman College, Douglas' Alma Mater)
- "One of the finest KBA CLE efforts ever! What a show!"
(Jan Clark, CLE Director, Kentucky Bar Association)
- "One of the most rewarding continuing legal education experiences I have ever enjoyed. Thank you so much for your . . . vision."
(Honorable Leland P. Anderson, District Court Judge, First Judicial District of the State of Colorado)
- "Entertaining, educational, stimulating and thought provoking. An exceptional job with a complex and diverse subject."
(Scott D. McGregor, Attorney at Law, Rapid City, SD)
- "This was an extraordinary experience - not your usual run-of-the-mill CLE. Your relationship with the audience was incredible. We were with you from start to finish and the rapport was 'otherworldly.'"
(Yvette Leerskoff Gardner, Past President, Wichita Bar Association)
- "I cannot imagine a better way to furnish instruction. Your performance was powerful and engaging and I hope we can bring you back to Whitman before long."
(Timothy Kaufman-Osborn, Professor of Politics and Leadership, Whitman College, Douglas' Alma Mater)
- ". a history lesson, a civics class and a political debate all played out . . . as exhilarating entertainment. You have created a dramatic biography of the highest order."
(Jeffrey Viken, Attorney at Law, Rapid City, SD)
- "You captured this mercurial and sometimes contradictory man brilliantly!"
(Donald L. Frankenfeld, President, Frankenfeld Associates Interactive, Inc., Rapid City, SD)
- "Professional and polished in every aspect."
(Paul Higbee, Writer, South Dakota Magazine)
- "This 'history-lesson-come-alive' is a strong testimony to the power of theater to educate . . . at the same time it entertains. Historical and educational value aside, this production is a fine piece of theatre!"
(Maureen Zimney, Teacher, Stevens High School, Rapid City, SD)