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by The People’s Minister of Information JR Valrey
Theater is one of the original ways invented to tell a story, way before the modern media as we know it was invented. Many societies around the world have used theater in religious ceremonies as well as in more secular fashions to teach lessons, since we know seeing is believing and drama is captivating.
Today, television and movie-making are two of the most powerful forms of storytelling, but there will always be a place for live theater, because there is nothing like both feeling the authentic electricity emanating from performers in a superbly executed production and the electricity emanating from a live audience being held on the edge of their seat.
“Meet John Doe” is an interesting play about media, politics, the American dream, corruption, governmental manipulation, distrust, civility, integrity and more. It is about a reporter reporting fake news that eventually turns a societal outcast into a hero – and later into a pawn for big business.
Legendary actor Aldo Billingslea plays John Doe, in the Kenneth Kelleher theatrical adaptation of the Frank Capra film by Robert Riskin, “Meet John Doe.” The San Jose Stage Company is also commemorating its 40th anniversary season.
“Meet John Doe” will run from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18. I talked to the accomplished thespian Aldo Billingslea about his role in this classic play, and also we talked about his illustrious career in theater. Check him out in his own words.
JR Valrey: As a thespian, what made you want to help create “Meet John Doe” on the theatrical stage? What do you like about the piece?
Aldo Billingslea: I feel that the style created by Riskin and Capra is an important thread in the fabric of the American identity. The opportunity to be part of bringing this story and that identity to the stage has me stoked!
JR Valrey: What is “Meet John Doe” about? You play the character John; what do you identify with as well as what don’t you like about your character?
Aldo Billingslea: When a newspaper is bought by a rich executive, one of the journalists uses her final story to create a social commentary in the form of a letter from a “John Doe,” who declares he will leap from the roof of City Hall on Christmas Eve. The letter creates such a disturbance that a person experiencing homelessness is hired to play this John Doe, with the crafty reporter writing, galvanizing speeches for him.
It leads to a positive movement based on recognizing the humanity of your neighbor, until the rich and powerful media owners want to use the social movement for political gain. An exciting, relevant story with a happy Capra-esque ending!
JR Valrey: What statement is “Meet John Doe” making about society, politics and media today?
Aldo Billingslea: Loads of relevant statements are being made in this play about hope, journalism, poverty, community, social justice, race, common good and the power of the people.
JR Valrey: How do you compare the theater stage to television?
Aldo Billingslea: When comparing live theater to TV, the audience is more crucial for theater. TV doesn’t need you, but your attention and response to live theater can make our performance even better.
JR Valrey: How long have you been preparing for your role as John? Is there anything special that you do to prepare for your character or to get in character?
Aldo Billingslea: To prepare for this world, I just need to remember the people who are living the hard parts of this tale right now, and then remember the power we all have to change things for the better.
JR Valrey: Can you tell us a little bit about the original piece that “Meet John Doe” was adapted from? Can you tell us a little bit about the original screenwriter?
Aldo Billingslea: I think that Ruskin and Capra had the courage to look around them and on some levels write what they saw happening, as well as write what is possible. After a discussion with San Jose Stage founder Randy King, director-adapter Ken Kelleher had the vision to go a step further and also add race.
Ruskin and Capra had the courage to … write what they saw happening, as well as write what is possible. After a discussion with San Jose Stage founder Randy King, director-adapter Ken Kelleher had the vision to go a step further and also add race.
JR Valrey: Can you tell us about some of the other roles that you have played in the past?
Aldo Billingslea: Jennifer Le Blanc is the true lead actor of this play. She plays the reporter Ann Mitchell who pens the John Doe letter. Jennifer and I last acted together in “Othello” 18 years ago at Marin Shakespeare. We were going to do that play again in Monterey with Ken Kelleher directing, but the pandemic had other plans in mind. It’s fabulous to be on stage with her again, here in this piece which has a truly remarkable ensemble of talented actors!
JR Valrey: When does “Meet John Doe” open? Where? And how can people get tickets?
Aldo Billingslea: We open Saturday, 26 November, at the San Jose Stage, 490 South First St., San Jose, CA 95113 . You can purchase tickets at TheStage.org.
JR Valrey, journalist, author, filmmaker and founder of Black New World Media, heads the SF Bay View’s Oakland Bureau. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com or on Facebook. Visit www.BlackNewWorldMedia.com to read more.
