To the modern taste this play is culturally appropriated, and very condescending. However, as it was at its time, quite a groundbreaker. It was produced on Broadway in 1930, and had the first all--black cast that area had seen. it won a pulitzer, and was often discussed as a worthy rendition of rural black culture a step above that of the Uncle Remus stories of Chandler. It was amusing to the 16 year -old me. ( )

Talk about politically incorrect! There is absolutely no way, no how, that such a work could be written, let alone staged, in this day and age. Even its affectionate qualities would be vilified as unbearably patronizing, and justly so, let me hastily add. And yet, to experience it today sets to bubbling pools of pathos laced with humor that lie deep. ( )