The Southern Writers’ Project festival of new plays came to an end this morning with the highly charged reading of Richard Aellen’s Nobody. This reading follows the life of Bert Williams and George Walker, early African-American actors making their way to Broadway.

Tim Rhoze and Laiona Michelle in "Nobody"

The house was full this morning to see this energetic reading with a mix of music and acts. Emotions ran high with the reading, touching people with the reminder of a time when blackface was used on stage. Blackface and its use haunt Bert Williams, but also give him a beginning in theatre, it is a choice with many hard consequences.

The discussion following the reading was heavy, and filled with emotion. We had to stop the discussion in the theatre, but I hope you will help us continue the conversation with your comments below.