![]() He points out that censorship and the fear of the "power of literature" continue to impact society, as exemplified by actions like the removal of books from library shelves by organizations like local and state School Boards. Parmley believes that the issues raised in Alabama Story are profoundly relevant today as we witness ongoing debates about banned books and the gaining of knowledge of those different from ourselves. He highlights a poignant line from the play: "Books allow us to solve mysteries, satisfy curiosity, and realize dreams." Parmley finds it difficult to fathom a world where cherished books are taken away, echoing the sentiment that books hold the key to expanding our horizons and exploring the world. ![]() Alabama Story marks Parmley's directorial debut for a full-length play.Īs the director of this thought-provoking production, Parmley shares his perspective on how the play's themes of censorship, tolerance, and the power of literature resonate with audiences. Some of his cherished memories include productions like The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Cinderella, and The Addams Family. Over the years, he has worn many hats, from being onstage to serving on production teams and the PLT artistic committee. Parmley's journey with Pensacola Little Theatre dates back to 2004. ![]() Gavin Parmley, the director of Alabama Story, brings a wealth of experience and passion for theater to this production. For Jones, the play is a testament to the power of conversations and the "free flow of information," which he describes as "a basic human right." He emphasized, "I was writing a play about censorship rather than Civil Rights, although the two are certainly tangled in Alabama Story." This revelation led him to delve into the intricate web of conflicts, exploring vivid oppositions, such as male and female, black and white, insider and outsider, and private and public. I knew this was an idea for a play." The playwright soon recognized that he wasn't just crafting a historical piece but addressing a timeless issue-censorship. Jones vividly recalls his moment of inspiration, sharing, "In May 2000, while reading The New York Times, I came across the story of Emily Wheelock Reed. The play's relevance cannot be overstated, as it prompts reflection on contemporary debates surrounding banned books and intellectual freedoms. ![]() Playwright Kenneth Jones, drawing inspiration from historical events, weaves a narrative that explores the formidable challenges Emily Wheelock Reed, the former state librarian of Alabama, faced when confronted with a demand to purge a children's book from library shelves in 1959. Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) is gearing up to present an enthralling production of Alabama Story, a play that delves deep into the themes of censorship, tolerance, and the transformative power of literature. Pensacola Little Theatre's 'Alabama Story': A Powerful Drama of Love and Intellectual Freedom ![]()
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