The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1945-03-10
THE CURTAIN GOES UP

With loud flourish OF braSSy trumpetS the
curtain will soon rise the first act OF De-
trotS favorite horse opera, entitled The Singing
Jackasses.' The opening performance is being held
Friday morning in the chambers Of the Common
Council The Detroit News indicates selout for
this civic opera by reporting that all business places
in Southwest Detroit have been urged to close to
permit every resident of that area to attend the
seasons premiere
The central theme of this enhancing opera is
ITO be or not TO be housed and the most celebrated
aria is entitled Negroes should be made to lie down
in green pastures" The title role will be sung by
that eminent virtuoso Wilhelm Rogel, who won
national reputation in his early years by his bril-
liant execution Of the shortstop position with the
Nine Tigers. Maestro Rogel will have support
ing cast Of gifted and seasoned performers who
sing with provocative intensity
This popular Detroit horse-opera is derived
from American folklore and it re-creates the at
mosphere of that period in American history which
Immediately preceded the Civil War. 1t will be
recalled that in those days this fledgng nation was
divided over the issue of freedom for Americans of
African descent Historically the issue was resolved
by the armed conquest of the rebels who maintained
that people with white skins had divine rights.
The celebrated opera owes it's title, "The Sing
ing Jackasses" to the reluctance of some Americans
to accept the verdict Of the Civil War and their
stubbornness is symbolized by the Jackass. The
authorship of this work has not been definitely de-
termined although the talented impresario, Edward
j. Jefries, is credited with important contributions
Maestro Rogelli, however, has made some daring
innovations which promise to be very popular with
the more exacting devotees of culture.
Dramatic conflict is achieved in this opera by
projecting in bold relief the human drive on the
part of Negro Detroters for decent housing and the
counterdrive on the part of some white Detroiters
to force Negroes to inhabit the alleys The role of
the villain is portrayed by various Negro leaders
who burst out in songs which have melodious re-
frain, "Let us all be free long live democracy"
This refrain, however, is usually drowned out by
shrill shouts from the chorus of Jackasses which
often move the audience to great emotional heights
Altogether they shout, Dear God give us the grace
to keep the niger in his place"
The success Of Fridays performance at the
Council has been assured by the activity of the De-
trot's Neighborhood Cultural associations. These
associations have been organized in the last few
years in parish halls and school houses by civic
leaders who have become alarmed over the growing
insstence of Negroes for full citizenship. These
civic leaders declare that Negroes should not be
permitted to live or work where they choose be-
cause such policy would menace the well being
of whites. Whether the welfare of whites might be
menaced even more if Negroes are forced to live
in garbage is question which, of course, never
arises.
AS a result of the activities of the cultural as
sociations and Maestro Rogeli and his friends, the
opening performance of "The Singing Jackasses'
is being awaited with rotous enthusiasm by the
cultured ctizenry. AS contribution to the war
effort all members of Detrots armed forces will be
regarded as special guests and they will be given
places of honor. Some of them may be invited to
lend their voices to the Jackasses chorus.