Celebrating ‘Soul Deep’

The all-student production “Soul Deep” remembered the past, celebrated
the present and looked to the future of black Americans in Warriner
Hall’s Plachta Auditorium Saturday night.

Macomb County senior Mary Jenkins wrote, directed and produced the
play.

“‘Soul Deep’ is a performance in celebration of the African-American
community,” she said. “It is a celebration of all those who
opened doors to arts and entertainment for the African-American
community.”

The play begins with monologues from characters trapped in slavery.
One woman describes being held down and raped by a black man and a
white man.

A man describes the sun burning his flesh and wishes to be a bird so
he can feel the sun and warmth of the air.

Later monologues concern romance and passion. Men and women are seen
dancing together and talking about what attracts them to each other.

The play ended with a reading of an open-ended letter sent by
Russell Simmons and the Hip Hop Summit Network to President George W.
Bush.

The letter protests the war in Iraq and urges Bush to focus instead
on serious domestic issues facing America. Dance numbers also were a
focal point of “Soul Deep,” both during and between monologues.

Romulus freshman Rebecca Thornton said she enjoyed being one of 37
cast members.

“It was awesome,” she said. “I loved it.”

Thornton also praised her fellow cast members.

“The cast was awesome,” she said. “We had so many great people in
the show. There was a lot of talent.”

Detroit sophomore Autumn Johnson said she appreciated the images the
play provided.

“I thought the show was very good,” she said. “It portrayed
African-Americans in a good light, and I really liked what it stood
for, especially in Black History Month.”

“Soul Deep” was sponsored by the Organization for Black Unity,
Minority Student Services and Sicknote Records.