In 1956, an electrical fire killed two toddlers living in a “shabbily constructed 3-bedroom addition” at 614-6 Douglass St., near Indiana Avenue. Their mother complained to the landlord about electrical issues to no avail before the deadly fire broke out.
Writer Curtis K. Rogers, who was born and raised in Indianapolis, grew up hearing about this particular fire and the housing issues which plagued Black neighborhoods.
From the stories that surrounded him, Rogers understood that the tragedy, along with unstable and unsafe housing conditions, was a ripple effect of years of city leaders neglecting Black neighborhoods.This knowledge inspired Rogers to write a play.
From Nov. 27-Dec. 1, Rogers will stage the play “13 Fires” at The District Theatre. It will be produced by Indy Black Light Training and Development.
While Rogers, 31, grew up acting out his stories at Kessler Crest Church on the northwest side, this will be his first time staging in a theater.
Rogers spoke with us over the phone from his home in Colorado, where he is now studying psychology at Naropa University. He told us about his inspiration for the story and what modern audiences can learn from the past.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you learn about the house fire, and what inspired you to turn that story into a stageplay?
I hadn’t known about the radical changes that occurred there until I got involved in theater. I had been reading things from the Indianapolis Recorder and other articles, when I came across this series of incidents where houses had burned and killed the families inside. I thought a strong story could be built from that.
These fires happened 70 years ago. Why is this story important for modern audiences?
I think that if we really look into our history, we’ll see similarities in where we are today. We tend to put money before people and that has dramatic consequences and tragic repercussions.
I grew up in Indianapolis and have experienced being housed in housing that wasn’t up to par, but it was the only thing available due to my criminal record. It’s the same system classifying people due to race and criminal record and letting that limit them to housing in places that don’t necessarily meet code.
This is obviously a heartbreaking story. What are you hoping the takeaway is for audiences?
Past experiences connect us to where we are now. I’m grateful to share this story and I’m glad people are becoming aware of it. When I did, it affected me in a positive way, because reflecting on history is beneficial.
It benefitted you in a positive way?
Hearing the story of Indiana Avenue was impactful. I didn’t know what it was or what it meant, but finding that out imbued me with a sense of connection to the community that I never had before.
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