NCBRC to Stage World Premiere of THE STING OF WHITE ROSES

The North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NCBRC) kicks off its 37 with The Sting of White Roses, written by Angelica Chéri, and directed by NCBRC Artistic Director Jackie Alexander.

The Sting of White Roses tells the story of David Seed, who on the verge of welcoming his first child into the world, returns to the place he feels most safe; his mother's home. But as he and his wife prepare to welcome this brand new life, his wife's body betrays her, and for the first time David meets an illness that he's not sure his anointed voice can heal.

Examining the effects of breast cancer on a family while highlighting the strength found in one's faith, playwright Angelica Chéri notes: "I wroteThe Sting of White Roses because I needed to explore the painful intricacies of my mother's passing from breast cancer, both for my own personal healing and the healing of other people who have lost a loved one to illness. The play offers no answers as to why these tragic things happen, but rather it presses in on the importance of maintaining one's faith during these battles."

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, NCBRC will host a number of special events in conjunction with the production, highlighted by an art exhibit of original paintings by Janie McGee titled Mamie's Tea in Pink. The exhibit will feature works depicting vintage and retro afternoon tea parties, quiet times of prayer, and sisterhood. The exhibit was birthed from the Pink Diva Series that McGee started several years ago to bring color and faith to Breast Cancer Survivors in the Black community. All paintings will be available for purchase through a silent auction during the exhibit, with 20% of the proceeds, along with $1 from every ticket sale, being donated to Susan G. Komen Northwest NC.

Other special events include:

10/8 - Talkback with medical professionals following 3pm show

10/9 - Shades of Hope Day: Talkback with the Komen NWNC Shades of Hope African-American Outreach Committee following 3pm show

10/15 - Talkback with Pastors Mike and Darla Rakes of Winston Salem First following 3pm show; Talkback with Komen NWNC Faces of Breast Cancer following 8pm show

Executive Director Nigel D. Alston states: "I am excited about the events planned, our partnerships, and community engagement. It's an experience you do not want to miss!"

The Sting of White Roses features Jalila A. Bowie, Perri Gaffney*, Brandon D. Jones, Eboni Keita, and Derrick Parker*. *Members of Actors' Equity Association

Music Composer - Edward Anderson; Set/Lighting Designer - Arthur Reese; Costume Designer - Frenchie Laverne; Stage Manager - Taylor Murrell

IF YOU GO:

The North Carolina Black Repertory Company Presents

The Sting of White Roses

Written by Angelica Chéri

Directed by Jackie Alexander

Show Times: October 7-16, 2016
Fridays and Saturdays 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees 3pm

Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Tickets: Adults - $25, Senior/Students - $21, Children under 15 - $15

Group rates available; call 336.723.2266 for details.

The North Carolina Black Repertory Company (NCBRC) was founded by Larry Leon Hamlin in 1979 as the first professional Black theatre company in North Carolina. The Company is universally recognized for its artistic and administrative achievements and its international outreach program, The National Black Theatre Festival ® (NBTF). NCBRC is committed to exposing diverse audiences to Black classics, the development and production of new works, improving artistic quality, and sustaining Black theatre internationally. NCBRC is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors that includes prominent professionals from the community. Its major funders include the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina, and the City of Winston-Salem.

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