An original play written by assistant professor Jean Rohr will be performed April 30-May 2, 2010, by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company in Winston-Salem. Members of the company's Teen Theatre Ensemble will bring to life the intricate examination of the educational experience confronting some African-American males today.
Rohr was also on NPR affiliate WUNC’s (91.5 FM) noontime program “The State of Things” on April 29 to discuss the themes and messages in her production. Listen to her interview here.
Performance times:
Friday, April 30: 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 1: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 2: 3 p.m.
The performance will take place at the Arts Council Theatre at 610 Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem. All tickets are $10. The project is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
The theatre company debuted the play for the first time in April 2009 when actors read their parts onstage in Whitley Auditorium.
The play follows Jamal Harris, an African-American student repeating the 9th grade at Southwestern High. Jamal demonstrates unsuitable behaviors that label him a “failure” or “student at risk” despite his capacity for success. His story reveals challenges that result from the over-arching educational system and interaction with teachers, students and parents.
For more information and tickets, call the North Carolina Black Repertory Company office at (336) 723-2266 during office hours, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Tickets are available online at www.nbtf.org and at the company’s downtown ticket outlet, Body and Soul, 545 N. Trade Street (Downtown Arts District) in Winston-Salem.