Iron Age Theatre Presents THE LIFE OF JOHN HENRY, Opens 11/6

Philadelphia Playwrights first professional production "The Life of John Henry" Opens November 6

"And he died with a hammer in his hand!" One of the most famous American folk tales comes to life in a world premier drama this fall. The legend of John Henry, the steel driving man, who raced and beat the machine, resonates through the ages. In this new drama by Philadelphia playwright Chris Braak, the legend comes to life in a powerful play that strips away the myth and looks at the real social, political and racial issues that still haunt America.

The story of John Henry and his race against the machine has been told in dozens of folktales, and hundreds of songs. Based on the lives of the countless real men who lost their lives laying the railroad tracks and drilling tunnels that helped build this country, the story is woven into the culture of America. The theme of an honest man pitting his sweat and heart against a soulless machine still strikes a powerful cord in a society ever more homogenized and dependant on technology.

Iron Age Theatre and The center theater have dedicated much of their recent work to issues of social justice and John Henry is an extension of that same mission. It harkens back to their work on The Coming of the Hurricane and takes a store steeped in African American folklore and extends it so that it supports both the African American issues and the issues of universal human relevance.

"The Life of John Henry" opens November 4 and runs through November at the Centre Theater, Norristown's professional theater at 208 DeKalb St. in downtown Norristown. Showtimes are 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are 22 and can be purchased online at www.ticketleap.com. Call 610-279-1013 for information or visit the web at www.ironagetheatre.org

"We have loved this story since we began working in the theatre," said Director John Doyle. "We have done children's theatre versions of the show but this script is an adult story that digs behind the folktale and looks at the real history, real pain and real triumph behind the legend." Doyle also said the script perfectly suits the intensely physical and emotionally raw work that Iron Age Theatre is known for.

To support the production, Iron Age is posting a regular production blog. Actors, the directors, local experts on the issues of the play and the playwright will share their thoughts on the rehearsal process, the themes of the play and background for the production. This resource will enhance the audience's experience, "It is like a living talk back."

Additionally, The Centre Theater will host three Speaker Nights during the run, one about Prison Rights, One about African American Folklore and a night with playwrights, Chris Braak.

Even though the play is a drama it depends heavily on music. A bluesy soundtrack, played live onstage, drives the searing action and the songs tell some of the many variations of the John Henry legend. "As the legend has propagated through music, it is impossible to tell the tale without the strong support of a blues guitar" stated Randall Wise, co-director.

Chris Braak is a native of Norristown and received his Master's Degree from Villanova University in playwriting. He is an accomplished actor performing in the area as well as with his own production company Vanity House. He currently lives in Manayunk. He was most recently seen onstage in Iron Age Theatre's critically acclaimed production of "Birdy."

"The Life of John Henry" has a stellar cast of Philadelphia actors. Kash Goins stars as John Henry. Goins has appeared across the region. He is the founder of founded GoKash Productions and has worker extensively with Walter Dallas at Freedom Theater.

Jerry Rudasill, Philadelphia actor and musician, plays the blues singer/guitarist Robert. The character is based on many blues legends like the legendary Robert Johnson, who had his own take on the John Henry story.

The cast is rounded out by Richard Bradford Stevens, Maurice Tucker, and Iron Age veterans Adam Altman, Chuck Beishl and David Fiebert.

Working together the Centre Theater and Iron Age Theatre have been one of the most critically acclaimed companies in the area for over fifteen years. The Philadelphia City Paper called the companies, The area's most under appreciated professional theater. Receiving Barrymore nominations for a number of their productions the companies have also premiered six plays in the past two years including "Citizen Paine," "Waiting for the Ship from Delos," and Jeffrey Hatcher's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"

The Centre Theater is in the Montgomery County Cultural Center at 208 DeKalb Street in Norristown. It is easily reached via routes 202, I-76, I-476 and Ridge Pike. There is plenty of free parking and the theater is one block from Septa's Norristown Transit Center on the R6 line.

Call 610-279-1013 for tickets and information or visit the web at www.ironagetheatre.org

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.