Von H. Washington Sr.

Views from My Window: Opening Closed Doors Von H. Washington Sr.

Often called a modern day storyteller, Von Washington's plays explore the social and psychological difficulties associated with being an African American living in modern day America. His insightful, action packed, emotional plays reveal the pain and laughter of men, women, and children fighting to find a better position in their ever changing world; a world that is constantly confronted with differing views on gender, race, philosophy, politics, sex, and status. Looking for Talika-Don and Dee decide to take a "look back," after 25 years of seemingly blissful marriage. However, the "look back" becomes troubling as they uncover information not previously revealed over the years. This anniversary event produces findings that require a "new look," to decide whether or not there will be a future. Fighting Fires-On the eve of his eighteenth birthday, Shareem, acting on the advice of neighborhood friends, kidnaps his absentee father, takes him to an isolated motel room, and demands the attention he believes was owed to him during his developmental years. All goes as planned until Shareem is faced with startling information about the reasons for his father's absence. Let the Brotha Talk-An African American male agrees to be a guest on a radio talk show hosted by the very popular and controversial female radio personality, Jeannie Jeane. The interview goes accordingly until the outspoken Jeannie Jeane makes a costly mistake that wreaks havoc on and off the air. The Operation-Willie Jones has been diagnosed as angry, frustrated, depressed, shiftless, lazy, incorrigible, untrustworthy, unreliable, chronically unemployed, volatile, and cynical. A consulting team of doctors has been put together to determine whether Willie, in his present state, is lost to society and therefore better off with an operation which will make him less of a threat and burden to society.