Program Notes

Since winning the Pulitzer prize for drama in 1959, J.B. has become one of the most revered works of literature in the 20th century. Knowing this, producing J.B. is quite a daunting task. However, today we do not approach J.B. from a literary perspective but rather, an entertainment perspective. Here at Sam Houston State University we always strive to produce entertaining, historically accurate, compelling works and this show is no different. J.B. takes places exactly 50 years ago, in 1959 and since none of the cast or crew were alive during that time it took an extraordinary amount of time and effort to research the time period to make sure we were bringing a level of truth and accuracy to the work. 1959 was a tumultuous year full of historical ups and downs, New York magazine called it “A year that left its mark— many marks— on the city and the world” and our research greatly impacted the end product of the show you are about to see. What can also not be ignored is the fact that J.B. is based on the biblical story of Job and that also had a huge effect on our show. Apart from the obvious bible quotes and references that had to be researched to have a complete knowledge of the text; the cast and crew had to balance this age old story with the more modern 1959.

In the year 1959, so many things were changing. This was the year the microchip was invented, the Guggenheim museum opened, and Japanese automobiles first infiltrated the American market. Also, this was the year that the United States suffered its first casualties in the Vietnam War. This war would have a greater impact in the 60s and 70s but the fact that this is the year it all started could not be ignored. Fidel Castro made his first and only visits to the United States in 1959, a press tour where he was described as charismatic and “larger than life.” This is in stark contrast to the Castro we know today as the communist leader of Cuba who the United States has not had diplomatic relations with in over 40 years. Another reason why 1959 was a milestone is that some consider it the birth year of the civil rights movement. Mike Wallace hosted a two and a half hour documentary on Malcolm X, the minister of the New York chapter of the Nation of Islam effectively introducing him to the world. Malcolm X would go on to be one of the most polarizing figures in the civil rights movement until he was assassinated in 1965. An important year for music as well, Miles Davis released his album Kind of Blue which would go on to be the greatest selling Jazz album of all time and in film John Cassavetes’s film Shadows would mark the birth of the American “indie” film, changing the landscape of American cinema forever.

While the changing times of 1959 were the main focus of our studies the old testament parts of the script could not be ignored. In fact, the main challenge of J.B. was balancing biblical times with 1959. At several points in the show tonight you will hear direct quotations from the bible specifically the Book of Job. It is important to note that we do not approach this play from a religious standpoint although, if that is what you take away from it that is certainly valid. Rather, we tried to approach the script from the aspect of telling a story, any story not specifically a biblical one. One of the best things about J.B. is that it is an extremely human story and everyone can relate and take something away from it whether you are religious or not. J.B. is about faith, not religion and everyone’s faith has been tested at one point or another, just like J.B. This script also has several social issues that would have been pushing the boundaries in 1959 and are still relevant today. These issues include drunk driving, rape, and murder and are sure to have an impact on how you view this play, especially if you have been affected by these issues. Thank you so much for coming out tonight and enjoy the show!