Fires in the Mirror

When I first read this play, I was also confused by the seemingly random monologues that didn't have to do with the event per say  However, these monologues were chosen for a reason and should be performed to maintain the integrity of this show. These monologues give the audience a sense of the world that was before the Crown Height events took place. These monologues answer questions about both racial communities, as well as their relationship with each other. You get a taste of everyone's daily life. If you didn't have stories from all sides before the murder, then after the murder you would be more likely to take a side or be persuaded by one group. This production allows you to view this event as a grey event, not black or white. It allows you to question everyone involved without choosing a side. Finally, some of these monologues are the funniest in the entire play. Once people begin discussing murder it becomes very difficult to make the play light or funny at all. These opening monologues allow the audience to be entertained and lifted up before the heavy subject matter begins.