Quote of the Day: I have a heart of steel! Obie Kipper in Behind the Sun, written by Stanley Kipper and Laura Drake, on stage at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN through October 13, 2024. 

Once again, The History Theatre has brought new and relevant work to the stage, lifting up voices and stories from the diverse community of people who populate Minnesota, the region, and the United States of America. Current Artistic Director Richard D. Thompson directs this beautiful and poignant play of family, community, friendship and the pursuit of the American Dream to own a home and live a safe and rewarding life. Playwrights Kipper and Drake tell the story of Kipper’s family in the 1950’s, their move from the South to Chicago, then Minneapolis, and their desire to purchase a house in an all white neighborhood. At the time, laws and practices within the real estate business barred non-whites from purchasing homes in certain areas. It wasn’t until 1962 that Minnesota Legislature prohibited housing discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin. 

Darius Dotch as Obie Kipper in Behind the Sun at the History Theatre, thru 10/13/24. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Darius Dotch gives a tremendous performance as Obie Kipper, the father, who wants a better life for his son. He wants his family to live and thrive in a safe neighborhood, and for his son to get a good education which will lead to more opportunities. Racial roadblocks are in his way, but that won’t stop him. 

Charla Marie Bailey plays Mary Kipper, the mother, who loves her family very much, and while afraid of what the change in housing and neighborhood might mean for their family, she stands strong in keeping her family safe. Joshaviah Kawala plays their son Tyler. He’s in his early teens, when friends, sports and (for him) drumming are very important. He doesn’t want to move away from the neighborhood where he’s always lived and has friends. The private school he attends is filled with racial discrimination, and he suffers because of it. 

Charla Marie Bailey as Mary Kipper, Darius Dotch as Obie Kipper, Scott Witebsky as Abe Kaplan, and Jane Froiland as Angela Kaplan in Behind the Sun at the History Theatre thru 10/13/24. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Scott Witebsky plays Obie’s good friend Abe Kaplan and fellow World War II veteran. They have a long history of working together and having each other’s back. When Obie needs help getting a house in the all white neighborhood, Abe steps in to help him. Abe suffers his own discrimination as a Jewish man. Jane Froiland plays Abe’s wife Angela Kaplan. She and Mary are good friends, too, and they are there for each other during the stressful times of moving and feeling attacked by their new neighbors. James Ramlet plays the real estate agent Merle Swanson who tries, unsuccessfully, to keep the Kipper’s out of the all white neighborhood. 

Darius Dotch as Obie Kipper, Scott Witebsky as Abe Kaplan, and James Ramlet as Merle Swanson in Behind the Sun at the History Theatre thru 10/13/24.

In some ways this is a tough show to watch because of the blatant racial discrimination. But, it’s also filled with hope. The Kipper family is strong. Their resiliency and integrity, along with the support of their friends, gets them through. Dotch brings out all the emotions as he yells to the people attacking them, “I have a heart of steel.” He will not back down. He will protect his family with everything he’s got.

Scott Witebsky as Abe Kaplan, Darius Dotch as Obie Kipper, and Joshaviah Kawala as Tyler Kipper in Behind the Sun at the History Theatre thru 10/13/24. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Behind the Sun is an important story and part of Minnesota and American history. We can learn from the past and move forward into a better way. It shows that you can stand up for what’s right, and that love and support will win over hate and discrimination.

You can see Behind the Sun at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN through October 13, 2024. Lovely set design of the two homes on a rotating stage by Rick Polenek. Sound design by Katharine Horowitz. Lighting design by Karin Olson. Wonderful period costumes by Meghan Kent. Student matinees are available, please contact the History Theatre if you’d like to bring students to this show. It will be one of the best history lessons they ever get!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: When have you been faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? How did you overcome them? Who helped you along the way?