SPT & Hansberry Project to Present BROKE-OLOGY, Begin. 9/26

Seattle Public Theater (SPT), in association with the Hansberry Project (HP), is proud to present the Seattle Premiereof Nathan Louis Jackson's Broke-ology. Broke-ology previews September 26 and runs September 27- October 20, 2013 at the historic Bathhouse Theater on Green Lake. Tickets may be purchased by phone at (206) 524-1300 or online at www.seattlepublictheater.org.

Rich in spirit, poor in cash, William King wants his sons to have a better life. But as William's health fails, the brothers come home to face tough decisions. Can they keep their sense of humor and home intact?

"Broke-ology is simply a beautiful play about family, dreams, and hard choices," says SPT artistic director, Shana Bestock. "Valerie is a great director, one of the best Seattle can boast. She's also a thoughtful and passionate social critic. Producing this play raises some profoundly urgent questions about our community's ability to support ethnically diverse voices. We're thrilled to be partnering with the Hansberry Project to invite participation in what promises to be both a great piece of theater and a fantastic conversation."

"I've always been attracted to plays that speak to families finding ways to love each other through tough times. Broke-ology does that," says director Valerie Curtis-Newton. "I relate strongly to one of the central issues in the play; how do we care for our elders? My parents are getting into their late 70s and early 80s and we're having conversations about their wishes and our responsibilities to each other. That this play addresses those questions so artfully is exciting to me."

Broke-ology is directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton (Intiman's Trouble in Mind), Hansberry Project artistic director and head of performance at the University of Washington's School of Drama.

Broke-ology features the acting talents of Corey Spruill (Theater Schmeater's A Behanding in Spokane), Tyler Trerise (Taproot Theatre's The Whipping Man), TRoy Allen Johnson (SPT's Superior Donuts), and Amber Wolfe Wollam (SPT's The Violet Hour).Broke-ology includes the design talents of Craig Wollam (Set), Kent Cubbage (Lighting), Harry Jamieson (Sound), Melanie Burgess (Costumes), Karla Davenport (Props), and stage-managed by Nina Trotto.

With a play so rich in timely issues and cultural concerns, SPT has planned a series of post-show discussions to spark a conversation in which we all can take a role.
Thursday, September 26th.

A preview performance benefiting the Hansberry Project! Immediately following the Broke-ology performance, learn more about HP's efforts in our community to draw attention to the wealth of ethnically diverse theatrical work taking place in Seattle.

Saturday, October 5th.
Facilitated by Broke-ology director Valerie Curtis-Newton and SPT artistic director Shana Bestock. We've invited several local theatrical producers of color, who will share their thoughts on some tough questions: How do artists of color go about their work in our current cultural climate? What are some of the best practices for being an artist of color and producing work by and with artists of color? Where does race enter the conversation with our audiences? Has this conversation been a successful one so far?

Sunday, October 13th.
Moderated by Broke-ology director Valerie Curtis-Newton. Please join members of the cast and design team as we sit down with key members of the health care industry to discuss the challenges, both emotional and financial, in caring for senior citizens in our family and our community.

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