One Woman Show: Val Gray Ward

            On April 17^th, 2008 CSU Chico was graced with the presence of singer, actress, producer, and international theater personality Val Gray Ward. Upon walking into Trinity 100 I found myself in front of about 30 eagerly awaiting guests, most of whom were women. At first I was skeptical of how I would enjoy this performance, only knowing what had been summed up by my English professor. However, I was immediately greeted by a smiling Val who I could immediately tell was one of the warmest and friendliest individuals I had ever met. She showed me to a seat and then went right into the performance.

            She explained to us how she had already planned out the night’s activities and itinerary of her performance; no sooner had she said this she took her book of songs and poems and through on the ground beside her pedestal. Simply put she just goes off what she’s feeling and how the audience feels to her. She began talking about religion and got us clapping and saying Amen as if we were back in her home of Mississippi at Church. Being a person who only goes to Church when I visit my grandma, this was quite different, but at the same time it was a lot of fun. And personally a lot better then any service I’ve attended.

            She then recited several poems and songs from her childhood and from her adult life. Most she would introduce through either a story she had been told or through an actual life event that she had lived through. One poem in particular portrayed the life of a slave woman who escaped from her owners and made the dangerous and terrifying journey to the North where she would be free. Val put on her actress hat and acted out everything that she was saying in her poem and song; from looking to the stars above for direction to holding her back and feet in agony. It was quite gripping.

            Yet nothing came close to her telling of the Church bombings in Alabama which killed men, women, and children. She first portrays a little girl who couldn’t have been more than five. Stammering her words and running her finger through her hair as a little girl would have. She then switched to the mother of the girl and told her she didn’t want her going outside. The story continues with the girl going out to play with her friends, and then the mother finding out about the bombings and runs into the streets to save her baby. Unfortunately it’s too late. She enacted the story with such feeling and emotion that there were several people throughout the audience in tears.

            All in all it was a great out of the box experience. I know for a fact I wouldn’t have seen the show if not for my English class, but I’m glad I got to go and I really enjoyed the performance. Val is phenomenal performer and a great role model. She has done everything from stage performances, TV shows, and CDs. Whatever she puts her focus on she accomplishes.

-Truth