Monroeville, Alabama (Part I)

"It was a gala occasion. There was no room at the public hitching rail for another animal, mules and wagons were parked under every available tree. The courthouse square was covered with picnic parties sitting on newspapers, washing down biscuits and syrup with warm milk from fruit jars. Some people were gnawing on cold chicken and cold fried pork chops. The more affluent chased their food with drugstore Coca-Cola in bulb-shaped soda glasses. Greasy-faced children popped-the-whip through the crowd, and babies lunched at their mothers' breasts.

In a far corner of the square, the Negroes sat quietly in the sun, dining on sardines, crackers, and the more vivid flavors of Nehi Cola."

--from the pre-trial scene of "To Kill A Mockingbird," by Harper Lee.

Last Friday night in Monroeville, this scene was recreated with a few notable differences. The crowd was comprised of the attendees of the 13th Annual Alabama Writers Symposium. Famous and not-so-famous writers were gathered on the courthouse square, along with aspiring wannabes like myself. We dined a little better--a catered meal of catfish, hush puppies, potato salad, and several kinds of dessert, all washed down with fresh lemonade or good south Alabama sweet tea. Negroes and whites not only sat together, but laughed and talked about the day's events. Like the crowd in the famous novel, we were assembled to witness a spectacle.

This was my second visit to Monroeville in as many years to watch one of the best kept secrets in Alabama: a two-act play adaptation of Harper Lee's famous book, performed by a local group of amateur actors who are called "The Mockingbird Players."

On my first visit I had low expectations. A long way to drive to watch a bunch of local-yokels butcher one of the greatest novels in American literature.

Was I ever wrong. I've never been as happy to be wrong.

The annual presentation is as good as any theater production you will see anywhere in the South, amateur or otherwise. The adaptation of Miss Lee's famous book is presented in two acts: the first on the old courthouse lawn, with a set consisting of four small houses where the background of the story takes place. After a brief intermission, the second act is presented in the old courtroom, a set which was painstakingly copied on a lot in Hollywood where the classic movie was filmed.

The actors are all local folks. Jem, Scout, and Dill are all grade-school children (the actress who plays Scout is in her second year at the part. She is so good--it is a shame she is growing up and will likely be too mature for the part next year). The others are from various backgrounds in the community: Atticus is played by the local bank CEO; Sheriff Heck Tate is a local forester and real estate broker; Robert Ewell, played convincingly as the epitome of white trash, ironically happens to be a District Attorney. Some of the actors are new to their parts each year, while others are veterans who have played their roles many times over the twenty year run of the production. Members of the "jury" are chosen from the audience. This year I was honored to be selected to serve. I even received a subpoena, which I will mount in a frame as a treasured keepsake.

Harper Lee was not among the audience. She continues to live a life of seclusion in Monroeville. I wonder if she has ever seen the production that so lovingly honors her famous work? I think she would be pleased.

The production will continue to run throughout the month of May. Information and tickets may be obtained from the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce. Make the drive to Monroeville--you'll be glad you did.

I have some more things I want to write about Monroeville. Please visit me again in a day or two.