His play “Do Lord Remember Me,” constructed from interviews with formerly enslaved people in the 1930s, was first staged in 1978 and has been revived multiple times since.

Title: Honoring James de Jongh: Celebrating the Legacy of Bringing Slave Narratives to Stage The world has lost a giant in the theater industry with the passing of James de Jongh at the age of 80. His contributions to the stage are immeasurable, and his influence in bringing stories of slavery to the forefront of American theater will be felt for generations to come. De Jongh's play, "Do Lord Remember Me," was a seminal work that opened in 1978. The piece was a masterpiece of storytelling that was constructed from interviews with formerly enslaved people in the 1930s. The play has since been revived multiple times and continues to resonate with audiences to this day. Putting such a personal and sensitive story on stage was a significant risk. However, the play's success showed that de Jongh not only had a deep understanding of the subject matter but was also able to convey the complex emotions of the enslaved individuals he portrayed. De Jongh's work showed that the theater is not just a place of entertainment but also a medium to educate, inform, and inspire people. His plays challenged the status quo, made people think, and opened the door for others to follow in his footsteps. While we mourn the loss of a great artist, we must also celebrate his legacy. De Jongh's influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt by future generations of playwrights and theater-goers alike. He leaves behind a body of work that is a testament to his commitment to social justice, equality, and the power of storytelling. In conclusion, James de Jongh will always be remembered as a visionary who brought the narratives of the enslaved to life on stage. His passing is a significant loss to the theater industry, but his legacy will continue to inspire and challenge those who seek to use art to champion social justice. James de Jongh, whose play "Do Lord Remember Me" was constructed from interviews with formerly enslaved people in the 1930s, has died at age 80. The play was first staged in 1978 and has been revived multiple times since.