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Over time, communities around the world have been able to express a difference in religious, political, and societal perspectives through the development of theatre. This form of expression highly reflects the general views of people groups in a particular region. Not only do the views of the performances mirror that of societies but additionally the aesthetic aspects appeal to that particular community. Two different types of overall theatre practices over time have been studied. The first type to develop was religious while secular theatre came later on through a commercial approach. Both approaches are represented in August Wilson's play, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

Both religious and secular elements are prevalent throughout August Wilson's work. Throughout the play, many secular motives are present with themes such as family, race, identity, gender and freedom. Secular components in theatre arose due to the market potential for commercial theatre. While religious motives led to the first theatre performances, secular purposes arose to address other moral issues and conflicts within the respective communities. It often focused on the phycology behind the characters. Within August Wilson's period, racial equality was both a concern and reality for many within the United States. Following the migration of many blacks to the north, these were very relevant issues being addressed. Post-slavery attitudes and prejudices still led to the suffering and discrimination of many.

When addressing these secular issues in the play, Wilson creates a sense of family between the blacks within the boarding house. This sense of unity is often found between those suffering together. Race is also a very serious issue addressed in the play. The discrimination and prejudices that African Americans faced during this time period is a major theme within the work. As they suffered for equality, they migrated North in hopes of a better future. However, because many had only ever known slavery, a sense of searching for one's identity became very important in the boarding house. Bynum is an excellent example for the theme of identity. He is very comfortable with who he is, and as a conjurer, is convinced that everyone has their own song and should find it. Gender roles are also present as Bertha, Seth's Wife, is always found in the kitchen. This displays that women's rights were confronted later than racial rights. The most important element of the play is Freedom. Wilson aims to portray the effects of freedom on an individual and the significant difference that it truly does make. These secular issues were meant to address the concerns of the community at the time and the many issues it faced.

In addition to the secular elements, religious motives are also prevalent throughout the play. These motives gave rise to theatre through dramatic rituals and ceremonial performances throughout time. The original purpose behind performance was to please the gods which for whom they were performing. It was an act of worship and communication. In many cases, it was also a way to tell stories via members of the clergy. In any circumstance,while aesthetically appealing to the audience, the religious theatre carried a purpose of either glorifying the deities or communicating with them. The goal, origin, and purpose was religious. Wilson, In "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," he presents many religious elements and concerns relevant to this time period in America.

Throughout the work, Wilson includes many African traditions. A very clear display of this connection to their roots is seen when Seth suggests they "Juba" in the kitchen. Juba is an African style song and dance. As Loomis enters during this, he goes into a fit of speaking in tongues and falls to the floor in an episode. Throughout this, Bynum, a character with a strong spiritual drive, helps talk Loomis through a religious hallucination revealing the spiritual and emotional effects of being a part of Joe Turner’s Chain Gang. Wilson develops his character in a very pious way. He is very ritualistic and believes that he can bind people together. Additionally, he performs sacrificial killings of pigeons.Through these scenes, and primarily the character of Bynum, religious elements are clearly threaded throughout the play.

Both prevalent elements are crucial to the work as August Wilson attempts to reveal the issues of that time period in an aesthetically entertaining fashion. The secular and religious components are intertwined in order to develop the plot while addressing many issues and concerns of the African American race post-slavery. Through this play, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," it is clear why both elements have played a crucial role in the development of theatre throughout the ages.

Works Cited:

Arnold, Stephanie. //The Creative Spirit: An Introduction to Theatre.// 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.