Historical reenacting is a major pastime in our state and region, but it should hinge on fact.
Ever since I was about six years old, my parents would drag me to Colonial Williamsburg where we got the White Toast version of what life in Ole Virginny was supposed to be like.The darkies were all happy serving their masters who were the very wise Founders. I should try to be like them.
On other hand, some Civil War re-enactors from either side are so into their craft that they baste their beards with bacon grease to get that exquisite smell.
Thus, it is a delight to watch actress and comedian Azie Mira Dungey do her brilliant “Ask a Slave” routine. Dungey, originally from the D.C. area, was a real re-enactor at the George Washington home at Mount Vernon where she endured plenty of stupid questions from her mostly white and suburban audience about what it was like to be Martha Washington’s slave.
It all boils down to how the people who control history want it to be portrayed.
Dungey used to live in D.C., Prince Georges County and College Park and studied at New York University. She now is based in Los Angeles.
Bravo!