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2008-2009 Season Schedule

EVENING AND AFTERNOON PERFORMANCES FOR ALL

CROWNS

Written by Regina Taylor
Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry
Directed by Artisia Green

Tradition, fashion and faith collide to make for a soul stirring event with lots of “hattitude.”  Based on the book Crowns by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, Regina Taylors’ “Crowns” uses the tradition of hat wearing to bring a troubled young female into the circle of African American history and culture.   Through the inciting incident of her brother’s death, her mother with an admonition “to start a new life, reflect on her sins, and consider where she fits in” sends Yolanda away.  Her ensuing rite of passage lead by her grandmother and posse of sisters in the faith, leads Yolanda to explore the rich and cherished tradition of hat wearing as a connection to the Motherland and ultimately herself.

Thursday through Sunday
October 9, 10, 11 @ 7 p.m.
October 12 @ 3 p.m.
October 16, 17, 18 @ 7 p.m.
October 19 @ 3 p.m.


DAYTIME SERIES FOR CHILDREN
SCHOOL GROUPS ESPECIALLY WELCOMED / ALL TICKETS SOLD BY RESERVATION ONLY


LOVE FOLK


Workshopped by African American Folkloric
Direction by Baba S. Ifatunji

In these trying times of war, abuse and fear what our youth need is love.  What did the folk says in folk and classic tales, poetry and songs to teach us about love?  We combed African American tradition in search of old fashion values. Bring the children to see what treasures we found.  Old folk loving young folk, young folk loving old folk, and folk just loving each other is what Love Folk is all about. 

Monday/ Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only
October 27 – November 21 @ 11:00 a.m.
No shows on November 7, 10, or 12


DAYTIME SERIES FOR CHILDREN
SCHOOL GROUPS ESPECIALLY WELCOMED / ALL TICKETS SOLD BY RESERVATION ONLY


BARBARA JORDAN’S CHAIR


Written by Brenda E. Aghahowa
Directed by Kamesha Jackson

In celebration of Black History Month, Chicago State University Theatre proudly presents Barbara Jordan’s Chairs.  Penned by Chicago State’s own Dr. Brenda Eatmon Aghahowa, Barbara Jordan’s Chairs is a docudrama that sheds new light on the life of the esteemed African American politician who overcame adversity to become Texas’ first African American senator since 1883 and the first African American female senator.  This uplifting biographical drama chronicles Jordan’s rise to fame.  Please bring your students to attend this engaging and inspiring work that teaches us all that through perseverance, we can achieve any goal that we set for ourselves. Dr. Brenda Eatmon Aghahowa is the chair of the Department of English, Communications, Media Arts and Theatre and a preeminent Barbara Jordan scholar.

Monday/ Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only
February 9-27 @ 11:00 a.m.


EVENING AND AFTERNOON PERFORMANCES FOR ALL

TOPDOG/UNDERDOG


Written by Suzan Lori-Parks
Directed by Kamesha Jackson

Chicago State University Theatre enthusiastically presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Topdog/Underdog, written by Suzan-Lori Parks. As a playwright, Parks revisits history using recognizable figures to question societal constructs that reinforce racism and oppression.  Topdog/Underdog is the story of two brothers, Lincoln and Booth, each vying for control over his own destiny. Abandoned as youth, the brothers were forced to forge their own way in the world. Lincoln, a former card hustler, has retired his old ways and obtained a more respectable position.  Booth, on the other hand, seeks to enhance his hustling skills and lure his brother out of retirement.  Competition and sibling rivalry fuel this tale of love, conflict, and loss.  Topdog/Underdog takes the audience on a journey that is at times humorous, heartfelt, and dangerous.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this award-winning work. 

Thursday through Sunday
April 9, 10, 11 @ 7pm
April 12 @ 3pm
April 16, 17, 18 @ 7pm
April l9 @ 3pm

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