SOUL!: AIN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE OF NATURAL CAUSE {MELVIN VAN PEEBLES AND MRS. ELDRIDGE CLEAVER} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of programs focusing on African-American culture. Ellis Haizlip is producer and host of the series. This program includes an interview with playwright Melvin Van Peebles and highlights from his play, "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death," which portrays the lives and struggles of black citizens; and an interview with Mrs. Eldridge Cleaver of the Black Panther party, who was visiting the U.S. despite her decision to join her husband, -- activist and black political leader Eldridge Cleaver, -- in voluntary exile in Algeria. Topics discussed in the interview with Mrs. Cleaver include an explanation of the roles, objectives and historical background of the Black Panther party and the Revolutionary People's Communications Network; the political changes in China and how they will affect China's support to the party; her impression of her children's roles as citizens and as future activists; and her visit to Congo and the discovery of her African roots. Topics discussed in the interview with Van Peebles include his use of word repetitions, a style he believes reflects the inflections particular to black culture; Van Peebles's reaction to negative criticism of his style; the use of music in his plays and whether it would be appropriate to call them "black operas"; his personal background and lack of formal study; and his plans to give opportunities to other black artists. The program ends with another scene from the Van Peebles play.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS WNET New York, NY
- DATE: November 30, 1970
- RUNNING TIME: 0:58:58
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:11138
- GENRE: Variety; Talk/Interviews
- SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interviews; Black nationalism; Blacks - Politics and suffrage; Blacks - Drama; Theater; African-American Collection - News/Talk
- SERIES RUN: WNET (New York) - TV series, 1968-1973^
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Ellis B. Haizlip … Producer
- Roslyn Woods … Associate Producer
- Alonzo Brown … Associate Producer, Writer
- Stan Lathan … Director
- Ellis B. Haizlip … Host
- Joe Dennis … Announcer
- Cleaver, (Mrs.) Eldridge … Guest
- Van Peebles, Melvin … Guest
- Marilyn Coleman … Cast
- Bill Duke … Cast
- Gloria Edwards … Cast
- Joe Fields … Cast
- Arthur French … Cast
- Minnie Gentry … Cast
- Williams, Dick (See also: Williams, Dick Anthony) … Cast