The decade and a half that began in the mid-1960s is arguably the block of time that has had the most influence on the City of Milwaukee.
It was a time of the impact of the expressway system which divided the city. It was a time of civil rights activism, Father James Groppi, the battle over school integration and the ascension of militant protest by both blacks and whites.
Jonathan Gillard Daly has written a play about that time and "To the Promised Land" opens at First Stage Children's Theatre Friday, Jan. 25 for a two-week run.
The play focuses on a young black girl who leans on the story of Golda Meir, the first female prime minister of Israel, who grew up in Milwaukee. The play is an intimate portrait of the relationship between Milwaukee's Jewish and black communities and will surely inspire discussion and thought.
The impact of the play is expected to be so profound that public television will tape the show and broadcast it at a later date, as well as making it available for schools and community groups.
"To The Promised Land" marks the second play in First Stage's Wisconsin Cycle, a new play development effort celebrating the history and people of Wisconsin through a series of plays, associated workshops, special events and educational initiatives.
Ticket information is available at firststage.org.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
