October 12, 2020
Student theatrical work reveals personal experience of being Black at Penn State
I was so inspired that I just sat down and wrote it.” – Jalen Martin“It’s scary to be in these predominantly white spaces and feel like you are not being seen. I wanted other students of color to know you are not alone, that there are students experiencing the same things you are. That you have support, people have your back.” Martin said his heart has always been in this type of work, even before the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor brought systemic racism and racial injustice even more to the forefront. His experiences studying abroad in London in the early part of 2020 inspired him to expand his original piece and seek opportunities for presenting it. In May 2020, he contacted School of Theatre Director Rick Lombardo to see if the school would support a staging of “The Black Boy Who Thought He Had It All.” Lombardo was on board, and after originally considering the piece for a studio production in spring 2021, the season planning committee decided to make it part of the “mainstage” virtual fall 2020 season. “[During the summer] we made the decision that all of our fall programming should explore and amplify anti-racist messages, so Jalen's play came into focus as something we wanted to commit to in a deeper way,” said Lombardo. “The School of Theatre is spending this fall examining our culture and amplifying Black voices through our speaker series and our productions. Jalen's piece is a great example of this commitment.” According to Franklin, who started teaching at Penn State in 2003, Martin’s own commitment has resulted in his work going from class project to the “stage.” She says her job as an educator is to provide her students with the tools, and then “get out of the way.” “I see myself as the mama bird, feeding my little birdies. I give them the worms and soon they are ready to fly,” she said. “I’m so happy to be able to support Jalen in this way.” For Martin, the experience of writing and producing “The Black Boy Who Thought He Had It All” has been cathartic and stressful, but also fun. The cast of seven includes Jalen, his two roommates and four other friends, all of whom comprise his “bubble” of close contacts on campus. He originally conceived the piece as a one-man show, with audience participation. “I honestly think the way I ended up redoing it is even more impactful and will be even more beautiful,” said Martin. “I had been adamant about not rewriting anything from the original work, but I ultimately rewrote a scene that had me speaking right to the audience. I think I had been subconsciously holding back, but I decided I’m going to speak my truth.” He said filming that scene was particularly emotional. “It’s going to reach people beyond those who have affected me. It’s going to reach other Black students who have experienced what I have.” The School of Theatre has dedicated its fall programming to examining racial injustice. All presentations are free. Updates on future presentations will be posted at sites.psu.edu/pscsvirtual.
Schools and Departments:
School of Theatre
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Acting, B.F.A., Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, Master of Fine Arts in Theatre