The Green Pastures -- by Marc Connelly (1930)

Description

The billing of the show explains that this play "was suggested by Roark Bradford's Southern Sketches, 'Of Man Adam an' His Chillun'" (xi). Connelly provides a wonderfully insightful Author's Note at the start of the play, which informs the audience that the play is "an attempt to present certain aspects of a living religion in the terms of its believers. The religion is that of thousands of Negroes in the deep South" (xv). Therefore, the play is to be read through a particular lens.

The reader immediately understands the racial importance of the show when angels appear to enjoy a fish fry in heaven. Shortly thereafter, the story of Creation is rendered. The play includes hallmark biblical stories such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Moses, Joshua, and finally Hosea. Throughout the play, God grapples with the sinfulness of man and attempts to redirect mankind's heart toward holiness. He is perpetually disappointed in man's nature. Those readers familiar with the Bible will not be shocked at the subplots, but will be unsettled by the manner in which God is portrayed--not because of His skin tone, but because of his apparent humanness and confusion. The final scene of the play depicts a hopeful God who envisions the arrival of Jesus on Earth.

The number of cast members in the show is ridiculous. The count heightens because of the need for a choir who serves as . . . well . . . a chorus . . . Akin to Abe Lincoln in Illinois, the reader does not find aggravation at keeping the characters straight.

Enjoy the awkwardly scripted trailer for the movie version here.

Candid Reactions

• It is refreshing to see children's curiosity about God at the beginning of this play. 
• I bet the scenic designer had a challenge with this play. How does one depict a Southern vision of Heaven?
• Angels are humanized from the get-go. Kinda sparks the reader's attention. 
• God's first words in the play is, "Is you been baptized" (19). What an effective way to develop the character!
• I don't know why, but God declining a fish sandwich made me laugh. 
• God tells Eve, "I got a hund'ed thousan' things to do 'fo' you take yo' nex' breath" (34). This line was breathtaking to me. 
• Interesting choice for Cain to be in the tree just like the apple was in the tree. 
• I'm unsettled by God's yearning for human feedback and input. I'm not saying God doesn't consider humanity's cries and pleas, but I find it odd to think God would need our input on His decision-making. 
• So does this depiction of God not knowing people's names . . . is that just because of the lens through which the story is being told? Is it because God intentionally is seeking for humanity to be open and truthful? Why is it that the writing makes it look like God doesn't know everyone's name?
• HA! Noah bargains for 2 kegs to be placed on the ark . . . 
• I wonder how they did the rainfall effect in the '30s?
• At the end of Act One, God says he doesn't mind Noah's "cussin' and drinkin'" (90). How controversial was this line in that time period?
• After God sends the flood, he admits, "I only hope it's goin' to work out all right" (93). How would an all-knowing God not know how it is going to work out?
• How did they perform these tricks on stage?
• God is accused of being inattentive . . . isn't that blasphemous?
• God remarks, "Even being Gawd ain't a bed of roses" (161). I don't know how to feel at this line. 
• What a profound statement that mercy is only found through suffering (167). 
• God supposes, "I guess I was just way behin' de times" (169). Once again, not sure how I feel about that statement. 

Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning

1. Depiction Central

The way faith and famous biblical figures are depicted is stunning in this play. The play forces the reader to reconsider what Heaven really is; what God is really like; the role of human response to God's holiness.

2. African-American Representation

Given that the play was written in 1930, it is remarkable that the play is solely comprised of African-Americans. The representation of African-American individuals on stage is to be praised, and it is notable that they depict powerful, biblical persons, angels, and God. This play occurred decades prior to the bulkiest part of the Civil Rights Movement, which is unbelievable!

Classroom Implications

The script could be a nice exemplar for colloquialism and dialect. There are typically standards used to address religious allusions and representations--this text would directly address this standard.

I think the script could provide rich discussion in Christian colleges to analyze the characterization of God and to discuss the influence of reading through lenses that are racial, social, etc.

Personal Takeaway

Provocative writing isn't always mean-spirited.

Ranking

	Dialogue	Characters	Plot/Conflict	Symbol/Literary Devices	Overall Enjoyment	TOTAL SCORE 5.5
0	Unfollowable; unrealistic; diction does not match character	Undeveloped; does not reflect humanity	Not engaging; predictable; reader can step away from text because it isn’t gripping	Devices are apparent for cleverness and do not enhance the story	Reader has no interest in re-reading play
1	Not consistently realistic (1)	Well-developed; most depictions reflect humanity (1)	Semi-engaging; some unnecessary plot-points (1.5)	Devices somewhat enhance story  (1)	Reader would re-read with pleasure and reminded of work (1)
2	Realistic; connotative; diction matches characters	Fully-developed; depictions reflect humanity	Engaging; unique; reader finds it impossible to put down text because the conflict is so gripping!	Devices seamlessly enhance the story and provide rich interpretation	Reader would re-read the play on own volition, enthusiastically