It's only a play...It's Only A Play...IT'S ONLY A PLAY......or is it?

This coming April, a black troupe (all Cleveland talent) hits the historical Karamu stage for four weeks, performing a ritual to the beats of Taco, Murray Head, Justine Timberlake, Leonard Cohen and a bonus song and dance routine during intermission JUST FOR YOU!

THE BLACKS: A CLOWN SHOW
by Jean Genet

April 18 - May 11, 2008 (Arena)

Previews April 16th & 17th

The Blacks: A Clown Show was written in 1958 at the request of a black actor. But Jean Genet, a white, French novelist and playwright (The Balcony), wrote the drama focusing on a troupe of black actors, who come together to perform a ritual that requires the corpse of a white woman. Originally written for an all-black cast, The Blacks offered a new voice to American theatre. Elevating the careers for the late Roscoe Lee Browne, James Earl Jones, Maya Angelou, Louis Gosset Jr., Cicely Tyson, Raymond St. Jasques and Godfrey Cambridge. It won an Obie for Best Off Broadway play in 1961, becoming one of the longest running non-musicals (three years) to ever hit the stage. It still remains just as shocking and relevant today.

NOTE: Audience members will be given mask to wear for this production provided by ushers. Do not come alone and dare you come late. Discretion is advised due to content, language, and, unexpected audience interaction.

THE BLACK TROUPE
Jason Dixon: Archibald Absalom Wellington
Joseph Primes: Deodatus Village
Janette Tate: Adelaide Bobo
Neal Hodges: Diouf
Erin Neal: Augusta Snow
Saidah Mitchell: Felicity Trollop Pardon
Andrea Belser: Stephanie Virtue Secret-rose Diop
Michael Brown Jr.: Edgar Alas Newport News

THE COURT
Jason Walker: Missionary
Dwayne Owens: Judge
Vernon Reed-Bullock: Governor
Morris Cammon: Queen
Doug Pratt: Valet

Directed by Terrence Spivey
Stage Manager: Geri Harris
Special Choreography: Dianne McIntyre
Co-Choreography: Terrence Spivey
Technical Director: Richard Morris Jr.
Set Design: John Konopka
Costumes/Mask: Harold Crawford
Light/Sound Design: Richard Morris Jr.