New Haven Independent

Posted by: N'Zinga Shani | November 19, 2009 2:11 PM

Thanks to Allan Appel for this story about the The Excommunication of Mrs. Eaton, and especially about Melvin Matos' response to it. This report is rich on so many levels. First, it demonstrates the benefits of exposure to historic monuments, and curious young minds; Melvin said in Boston there are statutes everywhere, and to opportunities for young people to be involved in theatrical productions.

It is certainly helpful for us adults to be reminded that unless we are aware of some of our very oppressive history, we are bound to keep doing the same things, or worse. Sadly, in some instances we have simply changed the method of oppression and persecution. In the following paragraph there is much we can reflect on and find comparisons in today's society. It might not be about religion; although it sometimes still is. If we were to honestly evaluate much of the political coverage in last year's election we will find plenty to be concerned about in terms of how women are evaluated versus the men.

"Though she is a “weaker vessel,” as women’s minds were deemed at the time, Anne is very much her own woman, a daunting theological opponent. For that treason Davenport is fearful of debating her in public. Instead, he drives a wedge into Anne and Theophilus Eaton’s already stressed marriage, trawling for more easily prosecutable domestic sins, thus forcing both Anne and Theophilus to choose between their love and marriage and their faith and the fortunes of the struggling colony."

It is so very hopeful to read that 16 year old Melvin Matos was disturbed by the fact that Theophilus Eaton did not support his wife's right to have her own opinion. While overall we have made some advancement in this regard (at least in some of the political partnerships) there is still a long way to go. Women are still expected to support their husband's position whether they agree with it or not, but more specifically they are not expected to develop positions that are contrary to their husbands. Sadly, in many arenas women are still considered to be "the weaker vessel" and if they prove themselves NOT to be, they run the risk of being called ugly names. I am looking forward to seeing this play on Saturday Nov. 21.

Posted by: William Hosley | November 19, 2009 2:21 PM

Wonderful. Wonder how to know about stuff like this before it happens. Congrats

Posted by: Rafael Ramos | November 20, 2009 2:45 AM

Thanks Allen for this great story. I want to mention that Bregamos Community Theater partnered with The New Haven Theater Company in this production, and that the reading was sponsored in part by The Mayor's Arts Grant Program and Yale's Office of New Haven and State Affairs. Melvin's comments “It’s hard to believe people couldn’t follow what they believed”,“I was shocked her husband turned his cheek. [Shocked] that he wouldn’t take a stand for his wife,”and “It’s hard to believe we have all this stuff [freedom of religious expression] we take for granted,”. Goes to show the power of theater and the arts in general to educate, provoke independent thought, compassion and expression in young people like Melvin. Per Melvin, he is going to share his exprience with his history class at Welbur Cross High School and hopefully get extra class credit. I am very proud of Melvin. We should do more to provide these type of opportunities to young people in the community. When I dropped them off at home on Franklyn Street. Elvin 14 (first theater exprience) said "Thanks today was fun". Melvin was the light and sound tech for the play Testify! Real People,Real Stories, written and performed by Delmance Ras Mo Moses and Directed by Hilima Fylnn at the Bregamos Community Theater workshop this past October. Melvin and his brother Elvin are learning techincal aspects of theater light,sound, set design ect.. Bregamos is a non-for-profit 501 c3 organization. Bregamos needs financial support to continue providing opportunities to people in the community. We also need a web site, volunteers, theater equipment, panel truck repaired, ect..
To make a contribution or provide an inkind service please contact us at 315 Peck Street New Haven Ct 06513 or email bregamostheater@aol.com or call 866 631-8880. Rafael Ramos

Posted by: LowerEastClyde | November 20, 2009 3:33 PM

First of all, Melvin Matos is going somewhere. What an insightful high school student. He obviously has a grasp on things at an early age. I definitely agree with him that Theophilus, the husband who didn't stick up for his wife, is lacking (in my words) "man skills". I think that the story itself brings up a great dialogue and discussion and it demonstrates how important it is for a community to have forums, such as Bregamos, to deal with more abstract and obscure themes and ideas. I've been a fan of Bregamos' productions from day one and continue to be impressed and intrigued by its latest endeavor! CJR

Posted by: supportbregamos | November 20, 2009 4:07 PM

How inspiring. This story exemplifies how a lasting positive impact can be made when people work together. I am grateful to the New Haven Theater Company and Allan Appel for their partnership with Bregamos Theater Company. Bregamos provides a place for youth to participate in creative and artistic events, but more than that, introduces them to new worlds, experiences and education. Bravo! Please support this non-profit and continue these efforts. They are invaluable to our community.

Posted by: Tim | November 20, 2009 4:42 PM

I definitely agree with him that Theophilus, the husband who didn't stick up for his wife, is lacking (in my words) "man skills".

Try to remember this was a different time. "Man Skills" then would to have been to backhand her for not "submitting" to her husbands will. After all, doesn't the Bible's Old Testament give authority of husband over wife? In colonial New Haven, you had to petition the church just to settle in the colony. You had to attend church every Sunday, no exceptions. If you didn't, at first you would pay a fine that would rise every time you didn't go. Eventually, you would be placed in stocks on the green and finally would be beaten.

The history of our area is fascinating and I applaud this young man for discovering it himself.

Tim

Posted by: Melaniemaria1 | November 22, 2009 8:04 PM

Once again Bregamos Theater has given a stage for a new and interesting story. Thank goodness for theatre and young people like Melvin, who continue to give our cultural discussions a place to be explored and expressed.

Posted by: Elvin | November 30, 2009 9:22 PM

Hi It me melvins half Brother