Arden Theatre Company Presents V TO X

In the 2nd production under their residency with Philadelphia's Arden Theatre Company, "V to X", GoKash OnSTAGE offers more food for thought regarding the current state of the U.S. justice system. Particularly in its treatment of blacks. Running March 28th through April 15th, "V to X" follows a successful debut with Arden, "Seventy IV Seconds... to judgment" last fall. "V to X" is written and will be directed by GoKash' founder, Kash Goins, a native of South Philadelphia.

According to the 2010 U.S. census, for every 100 black women age 25-54, there are approximately 83 black men present in American society. Almost 600,000 of these men who are "missing" from American homes are incarcerated and are the major fuel source of the profitable privatized prison industry. While some are jailed for violent crimes, many were sentenced under disproportionate guidelines due to the scrutinized "war on drugs". Unable to afford bail, thousands more have been incarcerated for years, awaiting trial. These eye-popping statistics set Goins on the path to create a work originally presented in 2016, prior to partnering with Arden. "V to X" was lauded by Phindie as containing characters who are "Fully formed, not ciphers for didactic plot.". For Goins, a graduate of Pennsylvania's Lincoln University, "Any discussion of U.S. justice must begin with quantifying those impacted as humans, deserving of basic humanistic considerations".

"V to X" is a work of fiction, yet draws inspiration from real tragedies. Notably, that of Kalief Browder, whose diminished mental state from three years of abusive Rikers Island incarceration without ever being afforded trial, drove him to suicide in June, 2015. "V to X" previews 3/28 and 3/29, before officially opening on Friday, March 30th. The balance of shows are Wednesdays through Sundays, closing on April 15th. Performances will be held at Arden's Hamilton Family Arts Center, in the brand new Bob and Selma Horan Studio Theatre, 62 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Press requests will be accommodated for any and all shows, space allowing.
For tickets or information, please visit or call the Arden (215-922-1122). On the web: www.gokashonstage.com or www.ardentheatre.org