April 4, 1968: Before We Forgot How to Dream

The past several years I have made a point to travel from Springfield IL to see James Still’s plays at the IRT. He has such an interesting way of bringing to life monumental moments from our nation’s past – whether it be the Lincoln’s in the White House or a White House butler’s career in the 20th-century White House or, now, a moment of history about RFK & Martin Luther King – all thru the eyes of an Indianapolis teenager and her family. He writes about human beings, so we all identify and connect – and that’s what theater is all about. Excellent cast, beautiful production all around. Thank you! 

I attended the performance of “April 4, 1968”, and was so impressed. James Still's grasp of local history – and even very secondary references to Indy landmarks and events  -- is spot on. Really liked the way he approached the topic/pivotal event, loved the characters and was impressed (as always, at the IRT) with the acting and the staging. A real winner, as far as I’m concerned.

What Still's play brought back was the inability, at the time, of Whites and Blacks - even those who liked each other - as Mike and Geneva did - to talk about the importance of King's death and the differing perspectives it brought.  My Black "school" friends and I just didn't talk about it.  Couldn't.  I didn't understand their perspective and they couldn't understand mine.  The topic was radioactive.You did a terrific job of shining a light on the perception gap.  And the difficulty of breaching it.  Thank you. Terrific cast, set, language and overall execution. Well done.  Still has done what a playwright should do - bring tears, smiles and hope.  Not easy or often accomplished.

I really loved it!  Still really captured the essence of something of importance that happened, a family's dynamics, and a young person's struggle to find her way.  Bravo! Also a good cast, great direction and amazing set!

Just saw world premier #April41968 at @IRTlive. Simply overwhelmed. @oceanrunnerx playwright James Still has written an enormous play. 

James Still left all of America and especially Indy a great gift tonight. Don't miss it @IRTlive #irtlive