Servant of the People

Servant of the People The Rise and Fall of Huey Newton and the Black Panther Party by Robert Alexander

(2)
Productions (5)
Historical drama
|
120 - 155 minutes
3 W, 10 M,  (13-18 actors possible: 3-5 W, 10-13 M)
Content Notes: Adult language and content
Set: Unit set suggesting street scenes, a meeting place, a jail cell, a penthouse with telescope, a flophouse, and a bar.

This epic play traces the triumphant rise and tragic fall of Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party from 1966 through the late 1980s. Huey rises as a man of the people, but ultimately succumbs to cocaine addiction and the dirty tricks orchestrated by the FBI.

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Play Details

This epic play traces the triumphant rise and tragic fall of Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party from 1966 through the late 1980s. Huey rises as a man of the people, but ultimately succumbs to cocaine addiction and the dirty tricks orchestrated by the FBI.

  • Historical drama
  • |
  • 120 - 155 minutes
  • 3 W, 10 M,  (13-18 actors possible: 3-5 W, 10-13 M)
  • Content Notes: Adult language and content
  • Set: Unit set suggesting street scenes, a meeting place, a jail cell, a penthouse with telescope, a flophouse, and a bar.

Published Reviews

"Robert Alexander has penned a powerful, multifaceted portrait of one of the more complex figures of our time, Huey P. Newton...piecing together a rich, moving, cautionary tale..."

Jack Helbig, NewCity Chicago

"Robert Alexander has penned a powerful, multifaceted portrait of one of the more complex figures of our time, Huey P. Newton...piecing together a rich, moving, cautionary tale that reminds one as much of Citizen Kane as of Mario Van Peebles' sensationalistic and highly fictionalized Panther...expressionistic techniques straight out of Brecht...power, ambition, and epic sweep."

Jack Helbig, NewCity Chicago

"Servant of the People draws much of its potent energy from the clear links that playwright Robert Alexander makes between the disillusioning decline of the organization's socialist ideals and the apolitical nihilism and violence that continues to plague black communities across the country... The tale has all the power and elements of ancient Greek tragedy... The fact that the events are based in truth only strengthens their impact."

Bryan Upton, Windy City Times (Chicago)

"Fine, fiercely focused scenes... For sheer newness and nerve, Servant demands attention."

Dan Hulbert, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Production History

MAR 01, 1998 - MAY 31, 1998
Arena Players
Baltimore, MD United States
Arena Players Baltimore, MD United States
JUN 01, 1996 - JUL 31, 1996
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
San Francisco, CA United States
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre San Francisco, CA United States
APR 01, 1996 - JUN 30, 1996
National Pastime Theatre
Chicago, IL United States
National Pastime Theatre Chicago, IL United States
JAN 20, 1995 - FEB 12, 1995
Jomandi Productions
Atlanta, GA United States
Jomandi Productions Atlanta, GA United States
JAN 11, 1995 - FEB 05, 1995
St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre
St. Louis, MO United States
St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre St. Louis, MO United States
No upcoming productions.
MAR 01, 1998 - MAY 31, 1998
Arena Players
Baltimore, MD United States
Arena Players Baltimore, MD United States
JUN 01, 1996 - JUL 31, 1996
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
San Francisco, CA United States
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre San Francisco, CA United States
APR 01, 1996 - JUN 30, 1996
National Pastime Theatre
Chicago, IL United States
National Pastime Theatre Chicago, IL United States
JAN 20, 1995 - FEB 12, 1995
Jomandi Productions
Atlanta, GA United States
Jomandi Productions Atlanta, GA United States
JAN 11, 1995 - FEB 05, 1995
St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre
St. Louis, MO United States
St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre St. Louis, MO United States