I Don't Want to Be . . . (Mamie Till)

by Lisa B. Thompson

An elegiac theatrical short play where a chorus of black mothers mourn the loss of their children to police violence.

An elegiac theatrical short play where a chorus of black mothers mourn the loss of their children to police violence.

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I Don't Want to Be . . . (Mamie Till)

Recommended by

  • Patricia Milton: I Don't Want to Be . . . (Mamie Till) by Lisa B. Thompson
    “

    This chorus of lamenting Black mothers, expressing grief and sorrow over their murdered sons, is deeply affecting. I found the poetic language stunning. It is a simple, heart-piercing play that I would love to see staged, and would make a lovely audio play as well.

    This chorus of lamenting Black mothers, expressing grief and sorrow over their murdered sons, is deeply affecting. I found the poetic language stunning. It is a simple, heart-piercing play that I would love to see staged, and would make a lovely audio play as well.

    ”
  • Jordan Bird: I Don't Want to Be . . . (Mamie Till) by Lisa B. Thompson
    “

    How fitting that I came across this play on what should have been Trayvon Martin's 23rd birthday. I DON'T WANT TO BE took my breath away -- both with its emotional intensity and with the depth of its poetry. The narrative image of Nana quilting with images of the deceased is heartbreaking and hopeful. Theatrical, lyrical, honest, heart-rending. This beautiful play is profoundly good.

    How fitting that I came across this play on what should have been Trayvon Martin's 23rd birthday. I DON'T WANT TO BE took my breath away -- both with its emotional intensity and with the depth of its poetry. The narrative image of Nana quilting with images of the deceased is heartbreaking and hopeful. Theatrical, lyrical, honest, heart-rending. This beautiful play is profoundly good.

    ”

Production History

  • Community Theater, PAST Productions Columbus, 2018
  • Professional, Company of Angels Theater, 2013
  • Professional, Black Women: State of the Union—Taking Flight. Skylight Theatre, 2012