By ANNA STEVENS BRIGHT
abrightcolumn@lowcountry.com
Cedric Mays, a 2000 graduate of Ruffin High School in Ruffin, played one of the leading roles, Frederick Douglass, in “The Agitators” written by Max Smart, at Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery from January 30-February 13. “The Agitators tells of the enduring, but tempestuous, friendship of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Great allies? Yes. And at times, great adversaries. Young abolitionists when they met in Rochester in the 1840s, they were full of hopes, dreams and a common purpose.
As they grew to become the cultural icons we know today, their movements collided, and their friendship was severely tested. This is the story of that 45-year friendship — from its beginning in Rochester through a Civil War and to the highest halls of government. They agitated the nation, they agitated each other, and in doing so, they helped shape the Constitution and the course of American history” (Theater Communications Group).
The role of Susan B. Anthony was played by Madeleine Lambert. A Christmas Carol and Steel Magnolias are two or her numerous theater credits, and “Empire” and “Chicago P.D.” are her television credits.
I had the distinct opportunity and pleasure to teach Cedric English 3 and 4 Honors at Ruffin High. What an awesome student he was! With a dignified aura and impeccable manners, Cedric always spoke with such clarity and confidence. He is the son of Hattie L. Mays and the late Mr. Elijah P. Mays Sr., of Ruffin.
His mother said Cedric has been speaking publicly ever since his Sunday school days when he would be called upon to expound on the lesson. That experience, among others, is profoundly paying off for him in his acting career.
I found out about this play through Cedric’s mother. One afternoon in January, my husband and I stopped for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, and ended up sitting at a table next to Mrs. Mays. I asked about her sons, both of whom I taught. She went on to tell me that Elijah was presently pursuing his doctorate in nursing, and Cedric was currently in Montgomery working on a play that would be showing the end of January through February. My eyes just lit up when she gave me all this great news about her sons, but even more so, when I heard that Cedric was going to be acting in a play in Montgomery. I lived in Montgomery for over 16 years. The play was performed at the picturesque Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
I wasn’t able to attend the play. Recently, I had reconnected with a very dear friend, former co-worker and sorority sister Mary Briers in Montgomery. I contacted Mary and told her about the play and that I wanted her to attend, if possible. Little did I know, it was already in her plans to attend.
Mary, along with other members of the Montgomery Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., attended the play and had raving reviews about it. “Cedric is absolutely amazing; it was such a pleasure to meet him,” said Attorney Samarria Munnerlyn Dunson, a board member of Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Chapter of Jack and Jill, who spearheaded the events.
When Mary and I communicated later that night, I was so ecstatic to hear all the great news that I could hardly sit down. She told me to tell Cedric’s mom that he was outstanding. Further, she told me that he was so nice and very accommodating to them.
When I saw the picture that she texted to me of her and Cedric, I was moved to tears. As Cedric’s former English teacher, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Montgomery Chapter of Jack and Jill and all who participated with them in this endeavor.
In 2017 Cedric played the leading role in the premiere of The Agitators in Rochester, N.Y.
The humble young man that he is, he sent me a most touching message later that night after the performance in Montgomery: “Mrs. Bright! A wonderful woman came to the show today with a large group of other equally wonderful women! Her name was Mrs. Briers. She told me that you suggested that she come to the show! They really enjoyed themselves! Thank you for your continued support! ”
When speaking about the play, Cedric remarked, “It is a pleasure to be working with such a fine group of people!
Here’s to the continued belief that I approach this work with: ‘To behold with wonder like it’s the first time and to work like I’ll never have the privilege to do it again.’”
