"THIS WAY FORWARD"  By Gertrude Jeannette, Directed by Ward Nixon is a dramatic two act play presented by the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players at the Harlem School for the Arts on 142nd Street and Amsterdam, in Harlem, New York.

This play represents early, middle, and present American Socialism; however, on a superficial level, one would think this play is about intese poverty and the subculture this intense poverty creates.

Although yes, it is true that this type of poverty is seen in some of the most poorest states in the country (i.e. Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia or coal miner's country; as these states are often referred as), the same is also true of its human beauty and exalted virtues in the most desperate of conditions. One really gets to see the "BASE NATURE" of each individual character, and how that psychology was formed and continued to affect the individual's environment and vice versa.

 A symbiosis of man and environment is clearly seen in this story. African Americans were as much connected to the earth as the Native American Indians were-and this is anthropologically significant to understand, (and should be further examined, academically).

There were several "opposing forces" which drove this play "foward" with such dramatic conclusions-that I was sorry to see it end. As a Dominican myself, and living in a very poor country, these same elements which the story addresses were the same issues I've seen in my own country. This finding is HUGE, because it "connects me" to the diasphora of the African American Experience.

I thought long and hard as to why Mrs. Gertrude Jeannnette would produce this play now-RIGHT NOW.  What message does this story teach us? For one thing, this play is no different in showing us the types of social issues that plauge third world countries all over the world. It teaches us that desperation, brute ignorance (due to lack of proper education), wishful idealism, and the beauty of hope can turn a society into an unrelenting beacon of example of living life through "faith" and "good will" towards others. This was the only way to survive as a society, a culture, a RACE, with minimal of resources (as as quiet as it's kept, WE ARE SLOWLY RESORTING TO THAT KIND OF PHILOSOPHY)

The role of the church, both in its restrictive and expansive influence was  part of both progress and stagnation, a dividing sword or uniting excalibur. Either way, it influenced the fate of its devotees.

We can observe this when examining our own conflict with rightful action inspired from "within us",but "tempered" with the dogmatic dictates of the church. This dichotomy continues to this very day!

The "force" of one versus the "many" was another  observable OPPOSITION which was wonderfully acted by Valerie Tekosky (Bertha Crawford). No doubt, this actress was the "force" or "engine" of the play along with her co-star Ralph McCain (Dan Crawford).

I was equally impressed with the performances of the adolescent actors; Maxx Carr, Khadim Diop, Isha Rose M. Diop, and of course, the Rev. Jackson (played by Albert Eggleston)

Again, director Ward Nixon paints us a very "penetrative" picture of the empoverished, deep valley/mountain communities with such detail-that it boggles the mind. The use of lighting in particular, was stunning and actually, aside from the set and scenery, made the whole production come together for me. Derrick Minter-you rock!

This play receives FIVE STARS!