Deep Are the Roots is a 1945 play by Arnaud d'Usseau and James Gow about a decorated African-American soldier who has returned from World War II.[1]
Plot edit
Brett is an African American who grew up in the home of a former senator as the child of a servant.[1] He has served in World War II and been treated as an equal, and he wants to change the world.[1] He returns to his hometown and begins a romance with Genevra, a daughter of the former senator in a town where his checking a book out of the public library causes controversy.[1]
Production history edit
The play was first staged on Broadway in September 1945, directed by Elia Kazan; starring Gordon Heath and Barbara Bel Geddes, it ran for 477 performances, closing in November 1946.[1] The New York Times noted at the time that Deep Are the Roots did not "shy away from a problem" – racism in the Southern United States.[1]
The 1947 production in the West End of London starred Heath and Betsy Drake.[2] Earl Cameron subsequently played the lead on tour and in various regional productions.[3]
The play was revived at New York City's Metropolitan Playhouse in 2012.[1]
Adaptations edit
The play was adapted for Australian radio in 1947 with Grant Taylor.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g Saltz, Rachael (March 11, 2012). "From G.I. Joe to Jim Crow, a Difficult Homecoming". The New York Times. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ "Deep Are The Roots | Cast & Crew". Theatricalia. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
- ^ Philip, Ira (May 11, 2014). "Honouring our film pioneer, Earl Cameron". The Royal Gazette. Bermuda. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- ^ Australian Broadcasting Commission. (11 October 1947), "Listeners-as-Critics COLOUR-BAR PLAY PLEASED", ABC weekly, Sydney: ABC, nla.obj-1427029295, retrieved 7 April 2024 – via Trove