Arts & Entertainment Compass

Kaitlyn E. Clark 

 

On the opening day of Anne L. Thompson-Scretching’s new play, Resurrection, The American Theatre of Actors (ATA) is buzzing with anticipation! This project, brought to life by Shining Star Productions, tackles the tragic and often untold story of the Tulsa, Oklahoma Massacre of 1921. 

As Resurrection prepares to open on the historic Cullum Stage, Anne sat down with us to discuss her creative journey, the profound history behind her work, and her hopes for how the play will resonate with audiences. 

This show’s journey began amid conversation among peers. Anne tells us that she heard about the ‘Black Wall Street’ in passing many times, “and I just shrugged it off at first,” she admits. “To my knowledge, the Wall Street I knew was white! But when I kept hearing people discuss it, I finally asked a friend, and what I learned astonished me.”

For Anne, learning about these events was devastating. Her friend explained to her that between May 31 and June 1, 1921, the once-thriving black community of Tulsa, OK was violently attacked by a white mob, leading to the brutal murders of many. Upon learning more about this tragedy, Anne began to feel a strong pull in her heart:  “As an artist, learning about this great tragedy, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I began to have vivid dreams, and that’s when I knew I had to write Resurrection.”

One of the most unique elements of Anne’s play is its blend of history with the supernatural. The focal point of this show is the resurrected victims of the Black Wall Street Massacre, who return to deliver poignant monologues on the events of their lives and deaths. 

“The characters spoke to me,” Anne reflects. “They showed me their lives, what happened to them during the time of the massacre.” With this incorporation, Anne hopes to give audiences a raw and immersive experience, allowing them to hear directly from those whose stories were nearly erased from history. This approach, she says, “adds an element of authenticity that is both eerie and deeply moving.”

Anne’s talent for turning historical events into touching stories did not go unnoticed. Critics have declared that the monologues in Resurrection “are each skillfully crafted and, fired point-blank at close range, hit the mark more often than not.” 

Telling such a powerful story has not come without challenges. Anne reflects on the difficulties she faced attempting to balance historical accuracy with emotional storytelling. 

“There were many things I wanted to write but couldn’t because my mind would tell me, ‘This is not how it happened—do it over.’ I had to keep working until I got it right,” she recalls. As a director, Anne also focused on ensuring that her actors understood the gravity of their roles. “These characters are so important,” she says. “It was essential to highlight the significance of who they were.” 

Her cast includes such notable names as Travis Bergmann, Courtney Everette, Andrew Boszhardt, Dan Brown, Harry Cooke, Dave Hummel, Daniel Kornegay, Kevin Leonard, Sabyne Santiago, Rommell Sermons, Moses Sesay, Kate Trubetsky, and Ashley Vigo. This diverse and multifaceted cast brings depth and passion to Anne’s play, delivering their characters with intention under Anne’s apt direction. 

Many of Resurrection’s cast members call ATA home, although Anne only recently found her way to the cozy midtown theatre. After rejections from various theaters, fate led her to the ATA through an unusual string of events involving a lost set of keys and a chance encounter with Mr. Jennings, ATA founder and artistic director. 

She recounts this story of serendipity with a smile. “Mr. Jennings taught me everything I know about plays, theatre, and directing, and for that, I’m forever grateful.” Anne’s partnership with the ATA has allowed Resurrection to find a platform where its story can reach a broader audience, without sacrificing the authenticity of Anne’s illusionary writing. 

As Resurrection makes its mark in New York, Anne is already looking ahead. Her dream is to take the play on tour, including a special performance in Tulsa, and to eventually bring this story to Broadway. 

“My overall goal is that audiences will walk away changed and will think more about our history as a people,” she says passionately. Beyond Resurrection, she envisions more productions from Shining Star Productions that continue to uplift and illuminate stories of African-American resilience. 

For Anne, James, and the rest of the team, Resurrection is more than a play—it’s a call to remember, to reflect, and to honor a history that has often been overlooked. As audiences gather to watch this powerful performance, they are doing more than just attending a show – they are becoming a part of an essential dialogue about American history, the forgotten victims, and the enduring spirit of Black communities in the United States.  

Tickets are on sale now for this incredible historical piece – don’t miss your chance to be part of this remarkable experience. 

For more information and other show listings, visit the American Theatre of Actors Website! SHOW TIMES: Wed. OCT 16 • 7pm, Thurs. OCT 17 • 7pm, Fri. OCT 18 • 7pm, Sat. OCT 19 • 7pm. Sun. OCT 20 • 3pm, Wed. OCT 23 • 7pm, Thurs. OCT 24 • 7pm, Fri. OCT 25 • 7pm, Sat. OCT 26 • 7pm, Sun. OCT 27 • 3pm