By Patricia L. Morin

Anthony Clarvoe’s powerful play at The Stage in San Jose reflects the contemporary landscape of racial and socio-economic conflicts, gun violence, and the spreading of white supremacy. But the time of the play is the 1950’s, and the place is the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tennessee.

The school became famous for its integrated workshops during a time when integration was prohibited by law. They invite protestors and emerging leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. However, attending these meetings was extremely dangerous. Labeled as Communists, the school constantly lived under the shadow of shutdowns and unwarranted attacks from outside forces.

“People Where They Are” takes us to the raw essence of human conflict, spotlighting harmful prejudicial barriers we erect against those who have caused us pain. Through the psychological lens of the Highlander Folk School, both the audience and the students discover effective ways to calm a tinderbox of emotions.