Covenant at Arizona Theatre Company

Legend has it that landmark blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Robert Johnson, who played mostly on street corners and juke joints with little commercial success or public recognition in his short life (1911-1938), traded his soul to the devil in exchange for his incredible technique that influenced everyone from Muddy Waters to The Rolling Stones.

That myth is the foundation for York Walker's new work, Covenant, which will be presented as a work in progress in an online digital play reading by Arizona Theatre Company.

Covenant explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth when a guitar player returns to his small town two years after his sudden disappearance as a blues star, setting in motion rumors that he made that deal with the devil.

Directed by Tamilla Woodward, Erron Crawford will take on the role of Johnny "Honeycomb" James and will be joined in the production by Kishia Nixon (Ruthie), Sydney Banks (Violet), Jessica Johnson (Avery) and Kimberly Fairbanks (Mama). Ido Levran is the Technical Director, Mathew DeVore is the Sound Designer. Stage directions will be provided by Miguel Jackson and Glenn Bruner is the Stage Manager.

Covenant will be accessible on ATC's website (www.arizonatheatre.org) as well as on Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo from 5 p.m., Oct. 28 to 5 p.m., Nov. 1. There is no charge to view the play, but donations to Arizona Theatre Company are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated.

Covenant is the next in a series of virtual performances offered by Arizona Theatre Company until it is safe to return to live performances in 2021.

Authors

• York Walker