Ghostwalk 2008 - Keys to the Past Critique

KEYS TO THE PAST – BEFORE
Lessons in Truth, Equality and Unity: Today’s Accountability
A review by Heidi Gilberte

KEYS TO THE PAST - BEFORE revolved around the Native Indigenous Peoples’ perspective before White/European contact and quickly moved through several centuries of history highlighting specific local characters and persons involved in the growth of the area. As with all “theatrical” representations, some people and figures were beautifully created as composite characters who shared the lessons and truths of their lives reflecting how their experiences had the opportunity to shape and change our contemporary futures. The lines that reverberate in my mind still were engrained by the characters Sophie and Emanuel, “servants and/or enslaved people” during a time of change in our country. Emanuel said, “Each man and woman, learns their own lessons from their pasts and chooses to move forward…” Sophie adds, “…or remains in the misery of their past.” This profound statement has a universal commentary, one that is so representative of where we are as a country today.

Native South Carolinian (correction Native New Yorker) Kubbi, now a resident of New York, returned to Gaffney for her second year as a member of 20 the “KEYS” cast. Her portrayal of Sophie, “the faithful servant of the Gaffney family (as stated on her actual tombstone) “was truthful, sincere, and was punctuated by her no-nonsense candor. Sophie was the only black American member of the United Methodist Church during her lifetime and she lived with the Gaffney family her professional career. Kubbi’s performance was rich, steady, and confident.