UI Department of Theatre Arts opens the mainstage season with a series of 10-minute plays by UI alumni
Iowa City, Iowa – The University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts has reimagined its Centennial mainstage season and will open with a virtual performance of 10-minute plays entitled 6 by 6: Collected Perspectives on Social Justice on Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 p.m. CST.
As we began developing a new approach to the season, the department was dedicated to finding opportunities to elevate diverse voices, create space for dialogue about race, and to celebrate our BIPOC alumni who have been part of the Iowa community. Works were commissioned by five black alumni playwrights who were asked to provide perspectives on social justice. These plays were written to be performed by one to three actors, with some degree of social distancing, and presented to a virtual audience.
A link to view the virtual performance will be made available on the Department of Theatre Arts website on the evening of October 10.
The following plays will be presented:
A Refugee in Detroit
By Keith Josef Adkins
Directed by Michael Kachingwe
When a mysterious box is delivered to a newly opened cafe, the stakes instantly change and become indistinguishable between paranoia and naivety for the new refugees in Detroit.
Princeton Junction
By Kim Euell
Directed by Britny Horton
Three strangers are forced to examine their perspectives on race and politics during one fateful train ride on the New Jersey Transit.
The Honey War
By Micah Ariel James
Directed by Octavius Lanier
The Honey War was a territorial dispute between Missouri and what was then (in 1839) Iowa Territory. Nobody died. Nobody even got hurt. But they called it a war. This is not exactly about that.
#Masks
By Anton C. Jones
Directed by Steven Willis
A compilation of scenes centered on a small college’s return to campus during COVID, #Masks explores the depths of social performance and what our “masks” reveal and hide.
Into the Night
By Levy Lee Simon
Directed by Mary Beth Easley
A New York cop is on a mission for justice, only to find out that justice has different meanings.
If you are interested in speaking with the individuals involved in this series, please feel free to contact the following:
- Keith Josef Adkins, playwright of A Refugee in Detroit, keithjosefadkins@gmail.com
- Kim Euell, playwright of Princeton Junction, kyeplaywright@msn.com (Kim prefers to only speak about her work, Princeton Junction)
- Levy Lee Simon, playwright of Into the Night, jazzlion12@gmail.com
- Micah Ariel James, playwright of The Honey War, micaharieljames@gmail.com
- Michael Kachingwe, director of A Refugee in Detroit, mtkachingwe@cpp.edu
- Britny Horton, director of Princeton Junction, cast member of A Refugee in Detroit, britny-horton@uiowa.edu (Britny requests that questions be related to the productions she is involved in and their relevance)
- Octavius Lanier, director of The Honey War, cast member of Into the Night, octavius-lanier@uiowa.edu (Octavius requests that questions be related to the productions he is involved in and their relevance)
The department has also created a Virtual Lobby space for our audiences to visit in advance of our performances to learn more about the productions and to celebrate the work of our students and faculty.
6 by 6 is part of the series Art and the Pursuit of Justice. Click here for a complete listing of other events in the series.
For those who are unable to join on opening night, all of the department’s performances from the fall 2020 season will be available on the Theatre Arts YouTube channel through December 15, 2020.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Department of Theatre Arts in advance at 319.335.2700.
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The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts is to sustain a world-class theatre arts program where we develop new work and new artists through a creative, collaborative process. With respect for the great global traditions, we push the boundaries of theatre, using sophisticated tools and technologies. Provide space for diversity and to foster social responsibility and change. Nurture student artists and their work, prepare graduates for professional opportunities, support faculty as professional artists and scholars, and engage, delight, and challenge audiences. For more information on upcoming productions, please visit us online at theatre.uiowa.edu or arts.uiowa.edu. You can also follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook and Instagram!
