Sunday, January 24, 2010
Melvin Van Peebles Stages ‘Sweet Sweetback’
NYTimes.com: "“I didn’t even know I had a legacy,” he said between rehearsals for his latest project, a musical-theater adaptation of his 1971 film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” “I do what I want to do.”"
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2 comments:
This article really makes me like Mr. Peebles, and want to get to know him on a personal level. He sounds like a very witty, down to earth, take-action man, a personality that you don't often see in this business. I highly admire that he's not pompous, and doesn't really acknowledge the fact that he's created a legacy, and has started such a strong foundation for following actors in the community. I also appreciate the fact that he's doing what he's doing because he LOVES it. It's not for the fame or the glory, its for the true curiosity and love to brutally explore topics that are socially or culturally "off limits".
There are definitely a lot of what are called "characters" off stage as well as on stage in te world of theater and film. What appeals to me about Peebles however is the humility and also the self respect he carried with him. With the kind of success Peebles has enjoyed , and his ability to work in ways unique to him without selling out it would be easy to become full of one's self. As an artist he is definitely full of talent and makes you think. I saw the film he worked on "The Watermelon Man" last year and what could have been a very formulaic comedy with a racial message quickly evolved into something much more gritty. The film goes from humorous to raw images of hate and anger. I think it would be beneficial for the world of theater if more people were unafraid to confront the audience in ways they might be uncomfortable with.
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