On the first day of Mr. Jones' creative writing class at a southern California junior college, a student named A.T. Carpentier continually interrupts the lesson with his anecdotes and speeches. A man in his late thirties, Carpentier challenges the instructor as the other students watch. Ultimately, Mr. Jones abandons his lesson and allows the students to leave the classroom. As they exit, some of the students gather around Carpentier, giving him their manuscripts and asking him questions.
Ed Bullins is a prolific playwright whose work emerged during
the Black Arts Movement. His work received numerous accolades, including a
Drama Desk Award, an Obie Award, and the Guggenheim Fellowship for playwrighting.
In addition to his successful career as a playwright, he was the Minister of
Culture for the Black Panthers.