Photo Preview: 'Butterflies of Uganda' World Premiere

The world premiere of Butterflies of Uganda: The Memories of a Child Soldier A Harrowing Story of Abduction, Escape and Reconciliation begins previews September 5th, opens September 8th and runs through October 13th at the Greenway Arts Alliance's The Greenway Court Theatre (544 North Fairfax Avenue) in Los Angeles.

"Made possible through the generous support of ECHO Humanitarian Aid Office, World Vision and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the world premiere production of Butterflies of Uganda is a fictional rendering of the all-too-real ordeal of Uganda's child soldiers. Written by Darin Dahms and Soenke C. Weiss, under the artistic direction of Whitney Weston and Pierson Blaetz, and directed by Darin Dahms, Butterflies of Uganda tells the story of Mary, who as a young Acholi girl was stolen from her home in northern Uganda and forced to fight as a soldier of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA),"state press notes.

"Performed by an entirely African American, Nigerian and Ugandan cast, this amazing script interweaves a complexly strained mother-daughter relationship throughout a heart-wrenching portrayal of the plight of the child soldier. Butterflies of Uganda is guaranteed to stimulate the discussion process and raise much needed awareness. The narrative was developed through thorough investigation of controversial subjects and involved consultation with former child soldiers and input and commentary of Ugandan nationals living in the U.S. and abroad. Offering a strong portrayal of often over looked themes in an effort to explore the depth of difficult issues society faces today worldwide."

For tickets, call 323.655.7679 or visit online at: www.greenwayarts.org.  It is $25.00 for General Admission, $18.00 for Seniors (over 55 with ID), Students (w/valid ID) and $15.00 for Groups (10 or more).

Photos by Larry Mitchell

 
Kony (Anthony Salas) and Ensemble

Kony (Anthony Salas) and Ensemble

 Mercy (Nanna Kagga-Hill), Victor (Kem Saunders) and Mary (Alvina Carroll)

Family - Charles Micheal Baggett (Patrick), Karole Selmon (Grandmother), Nana Kagga-Hill (Mary), Kila Kitu (Mother), Verton R. Banks (Rebel), Carl Crudup (Grandfather) and Brain Best (Rebel leader)

Carl Crudup (David), Alvina Carroll (Mary) and Nana Kagga-Hill (Mercy)

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