PROGRESSIVE PROFESSOR DIRECTS GSU PLAYERS (12/5/14)

‘A TROUBLE in MIND, a recent play presented by the GSU Players, brought to surface another look at one of Atlanta’s overlooked theater powerhouses, Director Frank Miller. 

Written in 1955 by Alice Childress, the play spotlights the heartbreaks of black actors onstage in the ‘40s and ‘50s.  Most importantly--- ‘TROUBLE’ dealt with themes of inequality that many say still ring true in society today.

“I think it’s so timely, the University deserves an award,” said George Hartley, who attended one of the performances. “Dr. Frank Miller directed a superb show and had a talented cast.  I felt it was very moving.”

Because semesters are never really long enough; the play only ran for about three weeks, but made an impact.

“I hated to see the show close,” said Dr. Miller “…the performances were some of my favorite experiences.  Each time the audience really embraced the theme, and you could not escape the timeliness of it.  We seem to be dealing with the same issues, and it certainly struck a chord with our students.  It came just when people needed to hear the message.”

Dr. Miller teaches Acting, Directing, Play Analysis, Perspectives in International Drama, and Performance Theory for Georgia State University.  The Theory class is his favorite.  This intensive study requires the students to re-interpret the age-old MEDEA, written by Euripides.

Frank Miller is flattered to work for GSU and thinks the compliments he receives reflects his commitment and is based on his ability to be curious. 

“When a society event happens, I want to know about it,” said Miller.  “I want to introduce my students to more than the best plays.  Every time I teach a class, I re-evaluate it, re-package it and make it work better for the next time.” 

Miller’s projects for 2015 are not short on ambition.  In February he’ll do a bit of acting himself with the first of two memory plays called ‘WRITTEN IN THE SAND’ taken from the memoirs of controversial Playwright John Herbert of ‘FORTUNE IN MEN’S EYES’ fame.

 

Next will be 'PROVINCETOWN PLAYHOUSE, JULY 1919’, by French-Canadian playwright Normand Chaurette.  This play within a play; about an asylum inmate who remembers the play he wrote that led to murder and his incarceration, will be presented as a staged reading.

“I want to see how it works in front of an audience,” said Dr. Miller.  “…the characters are ‘50s Revolutionaries and the play is about what it’s like to be involved in a Cause.  Again, it’s very timely.” 

The GSU Players involved with last July’s MEDEA were invited to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.   They will be holding various fundraisers in 2015 to reach their goal of $100,000.00; to send students, actors, technical crew and faculty abroad in August to be a positive representation for both Georgia State University and the entire state.

The next Miller productions will take place February 20-22 at 8pm in Dahlberg Hall, on the GSU Campus, and the public is invited.  

---Ray Macon