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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

WE LIVE HERE



(Harold Ellis Clark)

The International Arts Foundation Inc. of New Orleans in the United States, in association with Durban’s Playhouse Company, is proud to present the acclaimed stage drama, We Live Here, by the award-winning American playwright, Harold Ellis Clark. The powerfully written work, to be staged in The Playhouse Drama theatre from May 5 to 7, 2017, marks an ongoing sister-city cultural exchange between New Orleans and Durban, which aims to serve as a bridge in communication and understanding between the two cities.

A work of global relevance and immediacy, We Live Here tackles and seeks to redress the burning issues of racial hatred, fear and intolerance which continue to challenge inter-demographic relations between communities the world over – as the turbulent political landscapes of both South Africa and the United States of America continue to demonstrate.

“In spreading its message, We Live Here serves with unswerving integrity as an instrument of social cohesion that reaches beyond the confines of theatrical entertainment,” says producer Ernest D Kelly, President and Chairman of IAF. 

Durban audiences, however, need not brace themselves for a mere finger-wagging exercise, as online reviewer Joseph Baker assured his readers in an assessment of the play’s triumphant run in Memphis, Tennessee in 2015: “I have mixed feelings about theatre offerings that are redolent with the earnestness of a classroom lesson… I never know whether such fare will yield a powerful theatre experience, or wag its righteous finger in a ‘you’d better learn from this social studies lecture’.  The good news is that the former holds sway…  Not only is Mr Ellis’ writing both perceptive and timely, the excellent performances ensure a thought-provoking, dynamic experience that is entertaining despite the seriousness of the proceedings.”

Reviewing another of Harold Ellis Clark’s plays, Tour Detour, in the New Orleans Advocate newspaper last November, Bruce Burgun, a retired professor from Indiana University and a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, compared the respected American dramatist’s work with that of South African playwright Athol Fugard:

“Reminiscent of father-son struggles in Fences and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Ellis’s play is closer to the gut-wrenching, ethically provocative conflicts of South African playwright Athol Fugard,” wrote Professor Burgun.

We Live Here tells of Calvin and Francine Chaisson, a married black couple from the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, who move into a brand new home located in an all-white suburban neighbourhood. Two weeks later someone writes a racial slur on their property and Calvin catches the alleged perpetrator.

Well-known civil rights activist, Reverend Thomas Todd, in response to the incident, pleads with Calvin to allow him to hold a major protest march through the neighbourhood – an activity Francine is vehemently against. Her feelings and frank meeting with Richard Rodrigues, one of the alleged perpetrator’s relatives, force Calvin to consider Reverend Todd’s wish. Another racial incident at his home that threatens the health of both Francine and their unborn child adds further fuel to the inflammatory situation.

Directed and designed by John Grimsley, We Live Here stars Kenneth Brown Jr as Calvin Chaisson. Constance Thompson plays his wife Francine. She is eight months pregnant.

Alfred Aubry appears as the charismatic African-American Rev H Thomas Todd. The role of Richard Rodrigue, a loud-talking 70-year-old Caucasian with obvious health problems, is played by actor Matt Borel. Actress Sharon Smetherman appears as his wife Barbara. The couple’s teenage grandson Alex Rodrigue is portrayed by Oliver Grimsley. The role of Sal Giordano Sr, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, is played by Kevin Hubble.

We Live Here opens at The Playhouse in Durban on May 5 at 19h30, with further performances on May 6 at 14h30 and 19h30, and May 7 at 14h00. To avoid disappointment, early booking is advised for the short run of this important work.

Tickets R175 (except for ‘Golden Circle’ tickets at R250 per person from row A to row E for the evening performances on May 5 and 6). Block booking discounts are available: 10 -19: less 10%; 20-49: less 20%; 50+: less 30%. A discount of 30% is also available to card-carrying students and pensioners.

Booking is now open at Computicket on 0861 915 8000, or online at www.computicket.com. Bookings can also be made at Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, or via The Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 / 369 9596 (office hours).