The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

February 25th at 6 pm, we will meet at The Laboratory Theater of Florida for a group read of Toni Morrison's controversial classic The Bluest Eye, followed by a discussion on the work and why it is censored, if not outright banned, in many places.

THE STORY:

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a novel about the harmful effects of societal standards on a young Black girl's self-worth. The story is set in 1941 and follows Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old girl who longs for blue eyes. Pecola believes that blue eyes would make her more beautiful and socially acceptable, as she equates whiteness with beauty and social acceptance. The novel explores the realities of racism and the importance of self-acceptance.

This is a difficult read that grapples with sexual situations and violence.

"Toni Morrison’s Profound and Unrelenting Vision. "The Bluest Eye," which was published fifty years ago, cut a new path through the American literary landscape by placing black girls at the center of the story." - The New Yorker

Characters:
Pauline Breedlove: Pecola's mother, who believes herself to be ugly, has left her lonely and cold. She is the martyr of the family who finds meaning in romantic movies and in her work caring for a wealthy white family.
Sam Breedlove: Pecola's fourteen-year-old brother, who copes by running away.
Cholly Breedlove: Pecola's father. Impulsive and violent - he takes out his frustration on the women in his life.
Pecola Breedlove: The protagonist - an eleven-year-old Black girl who believe that her ugliness could be solved by having beautiful blue eyes. She is sensitive, delicate, lonely, and imaginative.
Claudia MacTeer: the narrator for parts. Strong-minded, independent nine-year-old. A fighter rebelling against they tyranny of adults and against the Black community's idealization of white beauty standards.
Frieda MacTeer: Claudia's ten-year-old sister, who shares Claudia's independence and stubbornness.
Mrs. MacTeer (Mama): Claudia's mother, an authoritarian who is sometimes callous but loves her children.
Mr. MacTeer (Daddy): Claudia's father, who works hard to keep his family fed, clothed, and protected.
Maureen Peal: Eleven-year-old young woman with lighter-skin, and higher class, she is Pecola's standard of beauty.
Henry Washington: The MacTeers' boarder. A steady worker, quiet, never married, has a lecherous side.
Soaphead Church: An educated yet mysterious man who is a monster. He does psychic readings and casts spells. He makes a cruel deal with Pecola to get her the eyes she so desires.
China, Poland, Miss Marie: Local prostitutes
Mr. Yacobowski: The local grocer, a middle-age white immigrant who has a gruff manner towards little Black girls.

Table Reading of The Bluest Eye

Table reads mean that space is limited, and characters will be decided on a first-come, first-served basis. Scripts will be available during the event, and a worksheet will be provided to help break down not just this play but also useful for dissecting future plays.

The table read and discussion will be led by local actor/director Sonya McCarter whose theatrical acting credits include Marquise de Mertuil in Dangerous LIaisons, Camae in Katori Hall's Mountain Top, Louise Parker Needs in Rancho Mirage, Corryn Fell in Gideon's Knot, as well as Confusions, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, For Black Women Who Experienced Genocide When the Police Murders of Their Sons Was Too Much. TV credits include two episodes Burn Notice and the film The Florida Project. Her directorial credits include The Color Purple: The Musical (Revised), Sistas: The Musical, Race, Stew, and more.

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