Theatrical viewing of South & Saints! in partnership with Maryland Ensemble Theatre and the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks
FREDERICK, Md., Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Join Maryland Ensemble Theatre and the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks in the theatrical viewing of South & Saints! South & Saints, which opened at Maryland Ensemble Theatre in May 2023 and ran through June 2023, brought together community storytelling and civic engagement, elevating the voices of Frederick's rich African American and Black community and their considerable contributions to the landscape of Frederick as we know it today. The Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks will provide popcorn and drinks while supplies last.
The show began with conversations during the pandemic of how MET can better serve the underserved and under-resourced voices in our community. With a long-standing tradition of building plays around community issues and stories, MET and Frederick's African American Resources and Cultural Heritage (AARCH) Society embarked on a journey that would deepen
our collaborative relationship.
MET's Producing Artistic Director Tad Janes explains that "we gathered over 20 community members for in-depth discussions and story circles over 6 events, for which we are massively grateful. Using the Story Circle technique developed by John O'Neill of the Free Southern theater and Junebug Productions, the text in South & Saints either derives directly from those
story circles or inspired pieces that were written intentionally for this production."
South & Saints marks Director and MET Ensemble Member, Ray Hatch's first foray into the devising process. "People have stories that want to be told!" says Hatch, "The theme for our production is 'segregation, integration, and gentrification'. We chose to concentrate on some of the more positive stories of surviving in a small town from the eyes of the people who
experienced it. Our actors are not portraying anyone, specifically nor were we interested in creating a documentary. However, the stories they tell are directly from the experiences of our story circle participants. What I hope you take away from this production is the feeling of community spirit, faith, patience and love it took to survive and flourish in a community that was
only a few blocks long and wide."
The South & Saints production team included Director Ray Hatch, Production Manager Melynda Burdette Wintrol, Stage Manager Shayden Jamison, Assistant Stage Manager Kim Parson, Technical Director Cody James, Scenic Designer Wendell Poindexter, Sound Designer Tom Majarov, Costume Designer Brandi Robinson, Costume Assistant Rachel Smith, Properties
Designer Lori Boyd, and Lighting Designer Tabetha White. Devising leadership was provided by Gené Fouchė, Shea-Mikal Green, Julie Herber, and Tad Janes.
The cast includes Gifty Amponsem, Evan Carrington, Victoria Causey, Alonzo Cook, Marcus Kersey Jr., and Roma Mensah.
While there is no cost to attend, donations are welcome to support MET and the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director Ray Hatch*
Stage Manager Shayden Jamison*
Asst. Stage Manager Kim Parson
Set Design Wendell Poindexter
Lighting Design Tabetha White*
Costume Design Brandi Robinson
Costume Assistant Rachel Smith*
Sound Design Tom Majarov*
Props Design Lori Boyd
Production Manager Melynda Burdette Wintrol*
Technical Director Cody James*
Filmed by James Meech of Meech Creative, LLC
CAST
Gifty Amponsem
Evan Carrington
Victoria Causey
Alonzo Cook,
Marcus Kersey Jr.
Rona Mensah*
*Denotes MET Ensemble Member
To learn more about…
Maryland Ensemble Theatre, visit http://www.marylandensemble.org or @MarylandEnsemble on Facebook and Instagram
Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks https://www.cunninghamgambrill.org/
Facebook/friendsofcunninghamfallsandgambrill 301-835-5501
About Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks: The Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, Inc. is a support group for Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. Our members consist of local residents, representatives
of the surrounding business community, campers and people like you who care about the park and want to be a part of making a difference for its future.
AARCH Society, visit http://www.aarchsociety.org/ or @aarchsociety
The Maryland Room at C. Burr Artz Library, visit http://www.fcpl.org/content/maryland-room
or @FredCoLibrary
EVENT INFORMATION
Where: Gambrill State Park Tea Room, 8346 High Knob Road, Frederick, MD 21702
Who: Rated PG
Date/Time: Saturday, November 4, 2023 @ 8:00PM
Ticket Prices: Free
PRESS INFORMATION
Press Photos & Press Releases: James Baker at [email protected] or
301-835-5501
Media Contact
Andrea Baker, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 301-694-4744, [email protected], https://marylandensemble.org/
SOURCE Maryland Ensemble Theatre
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