Learning Guide: East Texas Hot Links

A group of people face on person who is standing alone. The feeling in the photo is one of tension and expectation. — Photo of Kelvin Roston Jr., Alfred H. Wilson, Geno Walker, Willie B., Juwan Lockett, A.C. Smith, AnJi White, and David Dowd by Michael Brosilow.

Check out these resources for academics, enthusiasts, and educators to support your learning and viewing of East Texas Hot Links by Eugene Lee, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson.

Background

Synopsis and Characters: Read a detailed synopsis of the play, get to the know the characters of East Texas Hot Links, and dive into the Piney Woods in 1955.
Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design: Explore the historical context embedded in East Texas Hot Links, its dramaturgy, and the design of Court Theatre’s production.

Activities and Resources

Glossary: Familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary words from the play.
Pre-Show Classroom Activity: Engage students with the personal and global issues of their own lives and in the lives of those living in East Texas in the 1950s through this cafe-style discussion and research activity.
Post-Show Discussion Activity: Dive into discussion questions to explore themes and impressions of East Texas Hot Links.
Post-Show Comparison Activity: Guide students to compare and contrast East Texas Hot Links with an episode of The Twilight Zone, a great inspiration of Director Ron OJ Parson.

Articles

Ode to James Byrd Jr.: Director Ron OJ Parson dedicates this production of East Texas Hot Links to James Byrd Jr. (1949–1998).
In Conversation: Playwright Eugene Lee and Director Ron OJ Parson: Playwright Eugene Lee and Director Ron OJ Parson discuss East Texas Hot Links; read on to get a unique glimpse into the artistic processs – it doesn’t get closer than this
“We All A Part of It. Links … in the Food Chain”: Racial Capitalism in Eugene Lee’s East Texas Hot Links: Author Olivia Rumbold dissects the food chain analogy in East Texas Hot Links, tying it to larger themes of power, memory, and racial capitalism and making a case for the value of leftovers.
Down at the Juke: Jump into the juke joints that inspired Charlesetta’s Top o’ the Hill Café in East Texas Hot Links.

Photos and Videos

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Posted on September 5, 2024 in Learning Guides, Productions

2 responses on “Learning Guide: East Texas Hot Links”

Paula P Leland says:

September 7, 2024 at 12:15 pm

The play was amazing but the real star was the ensemble cast. They brought the script to life with their phenomenal performances. Was the choking incident staged and part of the production or did that really happen accidentally?

Reply
1. Camille Oswald says:
  
  September 10, 2024 at 2:26 pm
  
  Thank you so much for your concern. Court Theatre takes the health and safety of all performers seriously, and all actors are well and performing this week. We’re unable to disclose any further information. Thank you for understanding.
  
  Reply