Deep Are the Roots

Deep Are the Roots is a 1945 play by Arnaud d'Usseau and James Gow about a decorated African American soldier who has returned from World War II.[1]

Plot

Brett is an African-American who grew up in the home of a former senator as the child of a servant.[1] He has served in World War II and been treated as an equal and he wants to change the world.[1] He returns to his hometown and begins a romance with Genevra, a daughter of the former senator in a town where his checking a book out of the public library causes controversy.[1]

Production history

The play was first staged on Broadway in September 1945, directed by Elia Kazan; starring Gordon Heath and Barbara Bel Geddes, it ran for 477 performances, closing in November 1946.[1] The New York Times noted at the time that it did not "shy away from a problem" – racism in the Southern United States.[1]

The 1947 West End production starred Heath and Betsy Drake.[2] Earl Cameron subsequently played the lead on tour and in various regional productions.[3]

The play was revived at New York City's Metropolitan Playhouse in 2012.[1]

References
  1. Saltz, Rachael (11 March 2012). "From G.I. Joe to Jim Crow, a Difficult Homecoming". New York Times. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  2. https://theatricalia.com/play/g0k/deep-are-the-roots/production/1173
  3. Philip, Ira (11 May 2014). "Honouring our film pioneer, Earl Cameron". Retrieved 4 July 2020.
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