Black And Brown Theatre Brings New Voices On And Off Stage

What would you do with $50,000? Black and Brown Theatre is elated to present their next production: The Ticket. The story of a young man who believes he has won the Pick 4 and can help his long-time girlfriend's family finally have a happy holiday season. But when he discovers the ticket has the wrong date, he is forced to concoct a plan to save the spirit of the season by pretending he is indeed a lottery winner. How will everyone react when the truth is revealed? Join Black and Brown Theatre for a new stage play that asks, "What are the family traditions we value and how do we honor those we've lost during the season?"

The behind the scenes process enabled Black and Brown Theatre members to explore theatre positions they've never done before. First time dramaturge Jonathan Curry expressed his enthusiasm saying, "Thank you Black and Brown Theater for this wonderful opportunity. I realize this a rare opportunity for a young black male like myself to be a dramaturge. When reflecting on where I have came from it is unbelievable to see where I am now. I never would have guessed this would have been something that I could do and also want to. That fact that most young black males my age can only be looked at as thugs drug dealers or in jail is crazy and I'm just here to prove everybody wrong and show them that we can be whatever we want to be and do GREAT AND AMAZING THINGS! Once again thank you to everyone that supports me and thank you black and brown and thank you GOD for blessing with many gift and talents that I didn't know I had."

Black and Brown Theatre Artistic Director, Emilio Rodriguez, commented on the discovery of how rare Jonathan's role is. "During Black and Brown Theatre's August planning meeting, after we had announced Jonathan as the dramaturge, our advisory board member Amber Price asked if any of us had ever worked with a dramaturge who identified as a young Black man before. A silence filled with shame fell over the room as a group of theatre artists of color realized we had never experienced this, despite working in spaces that advocate for diversity. We are so proud to be part of the change and fulfill our season theme of "Staging the Future" as we introduce Jonathan Curry as the dramaturge for The Ticket. It is a small step towards equity that reaffirms the voices of Detroiters who have continually lifted up this city."

The Ticket is also a production that reaffirms the intersectional identities of Detroiters like director Asia Marie Hicks. "The Ticket is my first directing project after completing my BFA at Western Michigan University. In my time there I was given the opportunity to direct several of my own projects on a weekly basis, including a full-length show. The Ticket is very special to me because I am working in a space that uplifts people of color, and being an Afro-Latina myself, I cherish the fact that we can all share this experience and grow together."

The Ticket runs November 30th -December 9th at Spread Art (5141 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit) with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm) and Sunday performances at 4:30pm (doors open at 4:00pm). Tickets are general seating $15 in advance or $20 cash at the door. For tickets, please visit www.blackandbrowntheatre.org .

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