ONE MORE RIVER TO CROSS Continues World Premiere In Philadelphia

Independent Producer James Jackson is collaborating with Pulley & Buttonhole Theatre Company to present the World Premiere of two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage's One More River to Cross: A Verbatim Fugue.

The show has a preview Thursday May 25 and it opens Friday May 26. The show closes Sunday, June 11. All shows are performed at The Latvian Society of Philadelphia, 531 N. 7th Street. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m.and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 - $35. Tickets and more information are available by phone at 347-735-6762 or online at onemorerivertocross.bpt.me.

The World Premiere of this new work begins at Pulley & Buttonhole Theatre Company's facility in Jenkintown before the show's Philadelphia run.

One More River To Cross immerses audiences in song and culture as they experience lives of former slaves. Between 1936 and 1938, the Federal Writers' Project gathered over 2,300 interviews with emancipated slaves in the post war South. Nottage collected and condensed these interviews into a theatrical exploration of the entire history of black slavery in the United States from African capture through the emancipation. This new work, staged to reflect the deep historic connections between current theatre and primary cultures in Africa, resurrects the voices of people who, for many years, had none. One More River To Cross brings the words and stories of African American slaves firmly into the present and presents a lyrical declaration of hope, reaching out from the past and giving strength to our future.

"One More River To Cross is a compelling examination of our country's history at a time when we truly need it. These narratives provide a first-hand account of lives that our popular culture has either forgotten or hidden. We look forward to sharing these stories with audiences of all walks of life and reinvigorating the social understanding of the truth of the antebellum South and the condition of slavery," said Producer/Director James Jackson.

James Jackson directs this soaring new work. Beatrice Alonna, Kareem Carpenter, Kamili Feelings, and Sara Osi Scott star as the storytellers, breathing life into the verbatim quotes of emancipated slaves interviewed in the later half of the 1930s. Illustrating and enhancing the story with song, movement, and sound, creating a traditional theatre chorus are: Quinton J. Alexander, Kent Darden, Jessica Heller, Adiah Hicks, Gil Johnson, Charly Sarah Klinman, Juliet Davida Klinman, and Nastassja "Baset" Whitman.

Highlighting the importance of the piece, Jackson said. "Going beyond 'a narrative about slavery' this piece illustrates the hope and promise of those enslaved, giving us new energy to approach the difficulties of identifying issues with, and improving the situation of our society."

The production is supported artistically by Technical Direction from Josh Beauchamp in its Jenkintown run and William Holloway in its Philadelphia run. Masks and Props are designed by Meredith Boring. Sanchel Brown is developing the Movement of the players and chorus. Anne Fleming is providing deep background research and Dramaturgy. Music is being guided by LaTasha Morris. Bridget Reily Beauchamp is creating the Costumes. Rhythm and Sound are designed by Karen Smith. Stage Manager Melody Wong, Production Manager Evan Brody, and Assistant Stage Manager Gray Rogers round out the production team.

About James Jackson
James Jackson (Director & Coproducer), has produced and directed several successful and vibrant Philadelphia area endeavors. Using his experience in professional theatre from the past decade and a lifetime of experiences as a person of color living in the Southern states of North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia, James brings his unique vision to bear on this important and historic narrative.

About Pulley & Buttonhole Theatre Company
Pulley & Buttonhole Theatre Company (coproduce), is a community-based theatre in Jenkintown, PA. Founded in 2012 by Bridget Reilly Beauchamp, their mission is to encourage communication and compassion in their community and beyond through the power and persuasion of good storytelling. Their vision and name come from the poem "Famous" by Naomi Shahab Nye: I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous, /or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular, /but because it never forgot what it could do. The company of PBTC found themselves drawn to One More River to Cross and the power of its stories and decided to do everything possible to bring the work to life.

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