Ensemble Theatre Kicks Off Its 36th Season With THE NACIREMA SOCIETY, 9/27

The Ensemble Theatre is set to debut its 36th season with a regional premiere, The Nacirema Society by Pearl Cleage, with an Opening Night and Media Reception, Thursday, September 27, 2012, 6:30 p.m.

Pearl Cleage is the award winning playwright of Blues for an Alabama Sky and Flyin' West, and the New York Times best-selling author of Oprah book club selection, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day.

"I am honored to have my play, The Nacirema Society, presented at The Ensemble Theatre," says Cleage. "This theatre has supported my work for many years and I am grateful for that support."

Set in the 1960's, and every year since emancipation, the Nacirema
Society of Montgomery, Alabama introduces six elegant African-American
debutants to a world of wealth, privilege and social responsibility.
This year, at its 100th anniversary, with young love brewing, old
flames simmering and national media attention on-hand. . . what would
dare to go awry? Audiences are invited into this glamorous world where
folks still dress for dinner. A sparkling romantic comedy!

"At the heart of it, this play is the story of one American family
struggling to keep its secrets and two young lovers for whom the flow
of history is only a backdrop to the determination to be together,"
says Cleage.

The Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director Eileen J. Morris will direct
this performance. Her most recent directing credits includes August
Wilson's King Hedley II which not only was the theatre's presentation
of the entire August Wilson 10-play cycle, but made Morris the only
female director in the country to have directed eight of Wilson's 10
plays.

"I recall the 60s being a time that embraced significant leaders of the
world with demand of social change, and even in the midst of major
issues including unemployment, healthcare, housing, and education, the
African American communities were also steeped in the tradition of
charitable events, becoming successful business owners, entrepreneurs
and maintaining a thriving middle class," says Morris. "Cotillions and
other prominent events helped to expand our social, political, and
economic connections."

Featured cast members include: Andrea Boronell, Derrick Brent II,
Candice D'Meza, Florence Garvey, Autumn Knight, Joyce Anastasia, Angela
Smith, Detria Ward, and Bebe Wilson.

  Previews:       Saturday, September 22, 2012:
                  Sunday, September 23, 2012:
                  Wednesday, September 26, 2012:

  Show Run:       September 27 -- October 21, 2012
  Thursdays:      7:30 p.m.
  Fridays:        8:00 p.m.
  Saturdays:      2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  Sundays:        3:00 p.m.

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