Selected Shorts Podcast Summary: A Celebration of Langston Hughes

Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Tegel F. Bouget
Producer: Symphony Space

Introduction: Honoring Langston Hughes

In the February 6, 2025 episode of Selected Shorts, host Tegel F. Bouget pays tribute to Langston Hughes, one of the most influential voices in the American literary canon. Hughes, a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, is celebrated for his profound exploration of race, class, and identity through his poetry, novels, short stories, and plays. Bouget highlights Hughes's ability to create rich, diverse characters infused with humor and irony, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of his work.

1. "Passing" – A Struggle with Identity and Race

Reader: Joe Morton
Timestamp: [00:07] – [07:34]

Summary:
"Passing" delves into the life of Jack, a black man who chooses to pass as white to navigate the societal constraints and prejudices of his time. The story unfolds through Jack's heartfelt monologue to his mother, revealing his internal conflict and the emotional toll of denying his true identity. Jack's decision to marry a white woman and sever ties with his black family underscores the pervasive impact of racism and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of acceptance and economic stability.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack: "I'm free, Ma." ([07:34])
• Jack: "I was the only one of the kids light enough to pass." ([07:34])

2. Reflections on "Passing"

Host Commentary:
Bouget reflects on the profound emotional depth of "Passing," emphasizing Jack's discomfort and the complexity of living a life divided by race. He highlights Hughes's skill in portraying the nuanced struggles of identity and the societal pressures that compel individuals to conceal their true selves. The story exemplifies Hughes's ability to capture the essence of the black experience and the intricate dynamics of family and societal expectations.

3. "Thank You, Ma'am" – Compassion and Redemption

Reader: Pauletta Washington
Timestamp: [11:47] – [21:03]

Summary:
In "Thank You, Ma'am," Hughes presents a transformative encounter between a young boy attempting to steal a woman's purse and the woman's unexpected act of kindness. Mrs. Louella Bates Washington Jones takes the boy, Roger, under her wing, providing him with food, guidance, and a lesson in integrity. This story underscores themes of forgiveness, mentorship, and the profound impact of compassionate actions on an individual's life trajectory.

Notable Quotes:

• Mrs. Jones: "You a lie." ([11:47])
• Mrs. Jones: "I have done things too, which I would not tell you, son." ([11:47])

4. Reflections on "Thank You, Ma'am"

Host Commentary:
Bouget discusses the story's exploration of redemption and the power of empathy. He praises Washington's portrayal of Mrs. Jones, whose stern yet nurturing demeanor exemplifies the potential for personal transformation through understanding and support. The narrative illustrates Hughes's ability to weave moral lessons seamlessly into engaging and relatable human interactions.

5. "The Blues I'm Playing" – Art, Love, and Identity

Reader: Joe Morton
Timestamp: [23:12] – [55:59]

Summary:
"The Blues I'm Playing" explores the intricate relationship between Osceola Jones, a gifted black pianist, and her white patron, Mrs. Dora Elsworth. The story navigates themes of artistic integrity, racial dynamics, and personal fulfillment. As Osceola grapples with her passion for music and her desire for personal happiness through marriage, tensions arise between her artistic aspirations and the expectations of her patron. The narrative culminates in a powerful musical performance that symbolizes Osceola's assertion of her true self against societal and artistic pressures.

Notable Quotes:

• Osceola: "No, said Osceola simply, this is mine. Listen. How sad and gay it is." ([55:59])
• Mrs. Elsworth: "You could shake the stars with your music, Osceola, depression or no depression." ([55:59])

6. Reflections on "The Blues I'm Playing"

Host Commentary:
Bouget analyzes the absence of clear antagonists in the story, noting the subtle conflict between Osceola's desire for personal happiness and Mrs. Elsworth's vision of artistic excellence. He highlights Hughes's nuanced portrayal of differing viewpoints on art and the complexities of navigating personal relationships within the context of societal expectations. The story exemplifies Hughes's mastery in creating layered narratives that encourage deep contemplation of art, identity, and love.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Langston Hughes

Tegel F. Bouget closes the episode by celebrating Langston Hughes's enduring legacy, emphasizing his ability to capture the multifaceted experiences of African Americans with authenticity and emotional resonance. Through the selected stories—"Passing," "Thank You, Ma'am," and "The Blues I'm Playing"—listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Hughes's exploration of race, identity, and the human spirit. Bouget commends the performances by Joe Morton and Pauletta Washington, whose interpretations bring Hughes's characters to vivid life, enriching the audience's understanding of his timeless work.

Host's Final Thoughts:

"One of the things I find most captivating about 'The Blues I'm Playing' is that it is devoid of true villains and rather offers differing ideas about art, destiny and what matters most in one's life. It also beautifully conjures the atmosphere of the time. Both things are a large part of Langston Hughes's great legacy and what makes him a writer for all time, not just his time."

Production Credits

• Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
• Team Members: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivianne Woodward, and Magdalene Wrobleski
• Recorded by: Miles B. Smith
• Mix Engineer: Jennifer Nulsen
• Theme Music: "That's the Deal" by David Peterson, performed by the Deardorf Petersen Group
• Supporters: Dungannon Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the New York State Legislature

Selected Shorts is produced and distributed by Symphony Space, bringing exceptional literary performances to audiences nationwide.