'We need a reminder': Ormond Beach poet and author writes, produces his first play

In honor of Black History Month, Joe Cavanaugh puts Langston Hughes and John Steinbeck together on stage in his play, "Keepers of the Dream."

  • By Michele Meyers
  • | 1:00 p.m. February 15, 2024
  • Ormond Beach Observer
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Joe Cavanaugh’s play “Keepers of the Dream” brings two iconic literary figures to the stage for Black History Month in a chance meeting that evolves into a rich friendship and enlightening discussions. 

Poet Langston Hughes and author John Steinbeck exist in the author’s world where the two have the ability to discuss current social injustices while enjoying each others company.

The first act opens at the Tinker Alley Tavern in Sag Harbor, New York in the late 1930s. The two exchange readings of their works and a few drinks followed by a deeper dive into the meaning behind each other’s prose. Their conversations delve into the events of the era ranging from the mass exodus by farmers to California during the Dust Bowl and the increased oppression inflicted on Black Americans during the Great Depression.  

Cavanaugh’s choice to use Steinbeck seemed natural since he had spent 20 years living in Salinas, California where Steinbeck was born in 1902 and spent most of his life. Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. Both writers’ stories are reflections of the society and people that surrounded them. 

Dixie Blake and Lynn Blanton volunteered to be house managers for the preview of the play at New Smyrna Beach High School. Both are members of the Sister Cities of Volusia County, where Cavanaugh is a board member and Blake is the president. They wanted to come out to support him.

If you want change to change, sometimes you do have to be the one to say that wasn’t cool or  that wasn’t right. It will cause backlash but if we really are about change, the way we say we are, then change does not share an agenda with our feelings. Change just needs to happen when it needs to happen." — Dove Dupree, actor, poet, musician

“The play meant brotherhood,” Blanton said. “It meant seeing life as it should be — that we want it to be. If we’re just brave enough to stand up and make it so. I definitely think the play is going to make an impact on people, on their thinking and their feelings. It’s about time.”

According to the website, Sister Cities is a nonprofit organization that promotes the development of international relationships through understanding of their cultural, educational, religious, economic, and professional communities between the people of Volusia County and associated sister cities. Blake has been the president since 2007.

“It was a surprise to hear the focus of getting along, being an American and of love,” she said. “It was wonderful how Joe put that all together between those two authors. The talent of the actors was wonderful, the music and having the videos playing from the particular moment they talked about.”   

Music of the times weaves its way throughout the play.  Bethune-Cookman University vocal instructor Samone Hicks, plays the soloist, Dr. Becki Sanford is the pianist Virginia Jones and Terry Edwards is the guitarist. “What a Wonderful World”, “Route 66” and “Imagine” are a few of the songs that were performed by the musicians.

Actor, musician and spoken-word poet Dove Dupree plays Hughes while Gary Norris brings 60 years of theater experience to his role as Steinbeck.

In 2022, Dupree placed second in the Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam Contest which was founded and is directed by Cavanaugh. The following year, Dupree won the competition. Cavanaugh said he saw something in Dupree and thought he could really pull the part of Hughes off.

“This was a great opportunity,” Dupree said. “The content of what we are talking about is very rich and very important to get out. Sometimes it’s easy for people to forget even though it seems like everything we are talking about is obvious. We know about social justice and making sure that we are being kind and respectful to each other but sometimes we need an easy reminder.”

“Keepers of the Dream” is an insightful view of a friendship between a Black man and a white man based on mutual respect and a natural desire to understand one another. Dupree said it is a play but these are real issues that we are still dealing with today. He wants people to feel changed and go make that change after watching the play.

“If you want change to change, sometimes you do have to be the one to say that wasn’t cool or  that wasn’t right,” he said. “It will cause backlash but if we really are about change, the way we say we are, then change does not share an agenda with our feelings. Change just needs to happen when it needs to happen.”

“Keepers of the Dream” finishes with three performances at the Carlton Student Union at Stetson University: Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. 

It premiered at the Museum of Arts and Sciences on Feb. 10.



 


 

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