Blues for Mister Charlie (1964) by James Baldwin is a powerful three-act play that tackles themes of racial injustice, bigotry, and the flawed American justice system. The story revolves around the murder of Richard Henry, a black man killed by Lyle Britten, a white bigot in the South. The play focuses on Britten’s trial, exploring the complexities of race relations, the role of Christianity, and the impact of racism on both black communities and white allies. It draws inspiration from the real-life murder of Emmett Till and was dedicated to civil rights victims like Medgar Evers. Baldwin's writing remains an enduring call for social change and racial equality.
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