Celebrating their 40th season on the stage, the Wright State University theatre department will open their 2014-2015 season with a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by August Wilson.
“Fences” is the story of a working-class African American family who endure the hardships of 1957 Pittsburgh and the ups and downs of a close family who are constantly reminded of the fences that surround their backyard.
The WSU theatre production will star students Law Dunford, Brandon Kinley, Jasmine Easler, Korey Smith, Christian Henderson, Tyrell Reggins, James Robertson, Ocean Brown and E’Dray Caldwell.
However, the mark of this new season holds a more personal meaning for some. After leaving the Wright State Theatre eight years ago for medical reasons, Sheila Ramsey is returning to the stage as a co-director of “Fences” with Stuart McDowell, Chair and Artistic Director for the Department of Theater Arts, Dance and Motion Pictures.
Ramsey last directed “The Story” in fall 2006 at WSU, her 13th year at the university’s program.
“I was nervous, but I am very thankful. It is so exciting to be back after so many years,” Ramsey said.
Ramsey and McDowell have both seen the original production of ‘Fences” starring James Earl Jones on Broadway and feel they are ready to direct such an iconic play.
“It touches the audiences in different ways. Each person takes home their own meaning,” McDowell said. “It is a parable.”
“(Fences) means everything to me. August Wilson is raw–everything is very real and anyone sitting in the audience will have something to relate to,” said Law Dunford, one of the actors in the production.
Tyrell Reggins, another actor, agreed with Dunford.
“The amount of vulnerability in this show is amazing; how forefront Wilson is about the American family, and not just the African American family,” Reggins said.
According to McDowell, co-director Sheila Ramsey has been welcomed back to WSU theatre with open arms.
McDowell (left) and Ramsey pose backstage in the Festival Playhouse.
“She (Ramsey) is the matriarch of this play; she is the heart and soul. She gives her notes first, then I give mine,” McDowell said, discussing the relationship between the two directors.
“It’s been exciting, the rehearsal time,” Ramsey said. “For me to do this again, and with them (the students), they’re so good. What it takes to be in the show, watching them all and how they grow and learn… I am thankful to be able to watch them do that.”
Dedicated to the late Ruby Dee, who was a narrator for the school’s award-winning production of “1913: The Great Dayton Flood,” and co-sponsored by WSU’s Bolinga Black Cultural Resource Center, “Fences” will open at the Festival Playhouse on Sept. 18 with a 7 p.m. curtain.
The show will run through Sept. 28, including a total of 10 performances.
WSU students can sign up to usher at the shows, allowing them to see the production for free in return for their service. Signup sheets are located in the Creative Arts Center. For all others interested in attending the show, tickets will cost $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased by phone or through the box office.
