Dee Gray Interview by Jen Bush

Dee Gray will be portraying Mamma Miner in The Buffalo Hero of World War I: The Wayne Miner Story.  She graciously shared some insights about being a part of this wonderful and important production.

Ms. Gray’s character is a mother of a soldier who connected to her brave son through poignantly written letters.  “It is not certain whether Mamma Miner could read or write [well], but even if someone had written the letters for her, the words express her love, worry and prayers for her son.”

 In a historical production, some artists feel a greater sense of responsibility to portray that time in history accurately and utilize history when building their character.  Ms. Ms. Gray took on this responsibility to create an authentic experience for the audiences.  “In light of the world’s current emotions, I have a sense of responsibility representing this time in American history. I used as much history as I could as there are a lot of “unknowns” about Mamma Miner. She is a mother [among mothers] whose son left the “heart of America to the other side of the world.” She has to love him from afar, worry about him surviving and being surrounded by prejudice and that prayer will bring him home or to the gates of the Lord. “

Ms. Gray hopes that the audiences walk away from this production with a deeper understanding of the real people behind the characters and the events surrounding their lives.  They put their lives on the line and should be remembered with accuracy and respect. “From this production the audience will discover that not only who Pvt. Wayne Miner was, but that the Buffaloe Soldiers served their country in many infantries for the love of their country, family and fellow soldiers.”

“It is not certain whether Mamma Miner could read or write [well], but even if someone had written the letters for her, the words express her love, worry and prayers for her son. In light of the world’s current emotions, I have a sense of responsibility representing this time in American history. I used as much history as I could as there are a lot of “unknowns” about Mamma Miner. She is a mother [among mothers] whose son left the “heart of America to the other side of the world.” She has to love him from afar, worry about him surviving and being surrounded by prejudice and that prayer will bring him home or to the gates of the Lord. From this production the audience will discover that not only who Pvt. Wayne Miner was, but that the Buffalo Soldiers served their country in many infantries for the love of their country, family and fellow soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division is one of many “unsung hero” historical events. There are other historical events that are tied to individual solders and their commanders that are known [eg. Colonel Newton’s “medical report” that prevented him from commanding the Buffalo Soldiers. However, there are those events that have “slipped through the cracks” due to not being told, recorded, or were hidden. Chances are that leaving Wayne’s body in France was hard on the family. But it was a blessing in disguise because France honors his name and sacrifice. Research can be intensive and extensive but it is out there … somewhere … in the world.”

It will be well worth your time to go to The American Theatre of Actors to see Ms. Gray and the rest of the wonderful cast in this significant historical production.