From April 10th to May 10th, the Black Repertory Group Theater in Berkeley, California will stage a production of James Baldwin’s powerful play The Amen Corner, under the direction of Art Evans. Evans originated the role of ‘David’ in the Broadway production of The Amen Corner (Barrymore Theater, 1965) opposite Beah Richards, Isabel Sanford, Juanita Moore, and Whitman Mayo. He also appeared in 1984’s A Soldier’s Story, opposite Denzel Washington, as ‘Private Wilkie.’ Other credits include School Daze, Die Hard 2, Hill Street Blues, and Lincoln Heights.
via The Amen Corner’s Wikipedia page:
The Amen Corner addresses themes of the role of a church in an African-American family and the effect of a poverty born of racial prejudice on an African-American community. The play takes place in two settings: a ‘‘corner’’ church in Harlem and the apartment dwelling of ‘Margaret Alexander,’ the church pastor, and of her son, ‘David,’ and sister ‘Odessa.’ After giving a fiery Sunday morning sermon, ‘Margaret’ is confronted by the unexpected arrival of her long estranged husband, ‘Luke,’ who collapses from illness shortly thereafter. Their son ‘David,’ along with several elders of the congregation, learn from ‘Luke’ that, while ‘Margaret’ had led everyone to believe that he had abandoned her with their son years ago, it was in fact she who had left a dysfunctional ‘Luke’ and pursued a religious life.
The BRG (Black Repertory Group) “fosters a creative environment that celebrates the artistic contributions of Black artists throughout American history. With a two-fold mission, BRG provides opportunities to develop individual and young artists, and for our youth to discover a rich, Black cultural heritage.”
This production of The Amen Corner comes on the heels of BRG’s production of Langston Hughes’ Mulatto: A Play for the Deep South, and precedes their forthcoming production of Purlie Victorious (June 12th – June 21st).
We’re excited to hear about how these shows are received! If you’re in the Bay Area and you check out either of these shows, let us know what you thought!
For more info on BRG, The Amen Corner, or Purlie Victorious CLICK HERE.
