ABOUT
'Backstage' follows a small community theater in rural north Alabama as they prepare their next production - an adaptation of Harper Lee's classic tale of depression era Alabama, 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Jeff McLaughlin, a Harvard law graduate and state Representative, prepares for the role of a lifetime as Atticus Finch. Autry Pinson, who has spent the last 40 years as a struggling actor, reflects on the importance of theater and storytelling. Will Smith, the director of the play, articulates the continued relevance of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' while struggling to find black actors to fill the roles. Dot Moore, the founder of the theater, discusses the 60s idealism that helped create a community where everyone could feel welcome. Juxtaposing the message of the play with the story of its production, the film subtly asks questions about contemporary race relations in the South and about the continued importance of a story like 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Set against the backdrop of Guntersville - a sleepy community of 7,000 nestled at the southernmost point of the Tennessee River - 'Backstage' presents a humorous and compelling portrait of a decidedly Southern community and its theater.
A FILM BY ANDREW BECK GRACE
Andrew
Beck Grace was born and raised in north Alabama. He graduated
from the University of Alabama with a double major in Religious Studies
and American Studies. He went West to pursue a Masters in
American Studies at the University of Wyoming (home of the
Cowboys). There, he made his first feature length documentary
about the reenactments of Custer's Last Stand, called "Dying With
Custer." After graduate school, Andrew continued to make films
while freelancing for National Public Radio, the Americana music
magazine "No Depression," and the television network "Current
TV." In June of 2005, he came back to his alma mater to work for
the Production House at the Center
for Public Television
& Radio making documentary films about the Southern
experience. He also teaches
documentary at the University.
His films have appeared on Wyoming Public Television, Current TV, and Alabama Public Television. He is fortunate to have a beautiful wife named Rashmi, and two precocious cats - Franny and Zooey.
Currently he is at work on a film about the rock & roll band The Dexateens, a film about local food, and a film about the space race in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. If you've got an idea for a film, he'd love to hear it. You can contact him at agrace(at)ua.edu.
His films have appeared on Wyoming Public Television, Current TV, and Alabama Public Television. He is fortunate to have a beautiful wife named Rashmi, and two precocious cats - Franny and Zooey.
Currently he is at work on a film about the rock & roll band The Dexateens, a film about local food, and a film about the space race in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. If you've got an idea for a film, he'd love to hear it. You can contact him at agrace(at)ua.edu.
back to the living south
copyright 2007 The Production House, Center for Public Television & Radio, Univesity of Alabama
copyright 2007 The Production House, Center for Public Television & Radio, Univesity of Alabama