Theatre as a commentary on the condition of society is the subject of this edition of Radio Curious. The topic is the relationship of police and black men in America in 2015. Our guest is Michael Gene Sullivan, the resident playwright, director and a principal actor in â2015: Freedomland,â this yearâs production by the San Francisco Mime Troupe.
The first question and answer on the frequently asked questions page on the San Francisco Mime Troupe website is: âWhy do you call yourself a Mime Troupe if you talk and sing?â The answer is: âWe use the term mime in its classical and original definition, âThe exaggeration of daily life in story and song.'â
When Michael Gene Sullivan and I visited by phone from his home in San Francisco on June 29, 2015, I asked him if â2015: Freedomlandâ was an exaggeration of daily life in story and song from his perspective.
The book Michael Gene Sullivan recommends is âThe Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of Americaâs Police Force,â by Redley Balko.