6888th Postal Directory Battalion honored in Broadway play – AFRO American Newspapers

By Ericka Alston Buck Particular to the AFRO 

Audiences are awaiting Tyler Perry’s new film, “Six Triple Eight,” that includes Kerry Washington, however the Netflix film isn’t the one factor within the works to recollect the brave Black girls of WWII. The ladies of the 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion can even be the themes of a play coming to Broadway.

Just lately, the AFRO had the chance to take a seat down with a part of the inventive crew producing “Six-Triple-Eight, A New Musical.”

On the helm of this groundbreaking musical co-created by Holly Garman and Joe Trentacosta, is a crew of visionary skills. The script is written by Morgan J. Good, with music and lyrics by Ronvé O’Daniel and Jevares C. Myrick. “Six-Triple-Eight” guarantees to be a fascinating fusion of storytelling and music. Ret. US Military Col. Edna Cummings, who was named AFRO particular person of the Yr in January, serves as historian for the manufacturing, offering invaluable insights. The musical is govt produced by Blair Underwood, the internationally recognized stage and movie star. 

In a latest interview, Good shared her journey in bringing this exceptional story to life. Reflecting on her preliminary encounter with the story of the 6888th Battalion, Good expressed her rapid fascination and the profound affect it had on her. She delved deep into analysis, drawing inspiration from the tales of those trailblazing girls and their quest for freedom amidst the constraints of Jim Crow America.  

“I truly didn’t know a factor about this unit these Black girls being part of World Struggle II in any respect. After I was approached by the producers, Holly and Joe, I used to be instantly ,” stated Good.  “I instantly jumped into analysis and needed to know extra about them.” 

As she delved deeper into the historical past of the 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion, Good was struck by the profound significance of their expertise and “the truth that these girls had been in a position to expertise a freedom that they’d by no means gotten earlier than in Jim Crow America.” 

She highlighted their unprecedented alternative to work in navy positions, obtain badges of honor and be celebrated by a complete completely different nation. This newfound sense of freedom allowed them to discover, journey and contribute to the struggle effort in ways in which had been beforehand unimaginable.

The method of adapting such a wealthy historic narrative right into a musical offered each challenges and alternatives for Good and her crew. 

“I needed to sift by the elements of the historical past that had been discovered to be significantly essential and intensely fascinating,” Good informed the AFRO. 

With a wealth of analysis at their disposal, they navigated the fragile steadiness of honoring the reality whereas crafting an interesting and entertaining narrative. By meticulous consideration to element and a dedication to authenticity, they endeavored to shine a light-weight on the multifaceted experiences of Black girls throughout wartime.

Central to the center of “Six-Triple-Eight” is the celebration of Black womanhood in all its complexity. Good goals to problem stereotypes and showcase the myriad dimensions of power, resilience, and pleasure embodied by the ladies of the 6888th. By their journey, audiences will witness a strong affirmation of identification and a testomony to the enduring spirit of sisterhood.

“It’s a narrative about Black girls who contributed to the struggle effort. I feel that’s simply an enormous push in the correct route and having them be honored and recognized for that achievement,” stated Good. “We’ve been working as intently as attainable with among the households of surviving members to make the story as true as attainable, and to get it to audiences in a approach that they’re in a position to actually take in .”

As anticipation builds for the premiere of “Six-Triple-Eight: A New Musical,” audiences can anticipate to be transported on a journey of discovery and inspiration. With its infectious melodies, compelling storytelling, and highly effective themes of braveness and resilience, this musical guarantees to go away an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who expertise it.

In honoring the legacy of the 6888th Battalion, “Six-Triple-Eight: A New Musical” not solely pays tribute to the previous but additionally serves as a beacon of hope for the longer term. It’s a reminder that even within the face of adversity, the human spirit stays unbreakable, and the voices of those that have been silenced will all the time discover a strategy to be heard.