Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert and American Blues Theater present the world premiere of American Blues Ensemble Member Nambi E. Kelley’s new adaptation of Richard Wright’s classic novel, “Native Son.”
Directed by Seret Scott, “Native Son” will run Sept. 11 – Oct. 12, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. in Chicago. Previews are Sept. 11-19.
Mr. Wright’s iconic novel about oppression, freedom and justice comes to life on stage in this world premiere adaptation.
Suffocating in rat-infested poverty on the South Side of Chicago in the 1930s, 20-year-old Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out.
After taking a job in a wealthy white man’s house, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate.
Adapted with theatrical ingenuity by Ms. Kelley, and co-produced with American Blues Theater, this production captures the power of Richard Wright’s novel for a whole new generation.
Cast members are Jeff Blim (Jan/Pressman), Tracey N. Bonner (Bessie/Vera), Shanesia Davis (Hannah), Joe Dempsey (Britten), Nora Fiffer (Mary), Jerod Haynes (Bigger), James Leaming (Mr. Dalton), Eric Lynch (Black Rat),
Tosin Morohunfola (Gus), Carmen Roman (Mrs. Dalton) and Edgar Miguel Sanchez (Buddy).
More information is available at CourtTheatre.org.