Karamu House, Inc.
2355 East 89th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Contact:
Vivian C. Wilson
Marketing Manager
Phone
(216) 795-7070 x 215
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE –Friday – April 11, 2008
THE BLACKS: a clown show by Jean
Genet
April 18 - May 11, 2008 (Arena)
Previews April 16th & 17th
The Blacks: A Clown Show was written in 1958
at the request of a black actor. But Jean Genet, a white, French novelist and
playwright (The Balcony),
wrote the drama focusing on a troupe of black actors, who come together to
perform a ritual that requires the corpse of a white woman. Originally
written for an all-black cast, The
Blacks offered a new voice to American theatre. Elevating
the careers for the late Roscoe Lee Browne, James Earl Jones, Maya Angelou,
Louis Gosset Jr., Cicely Tyson, Raymond St. Jasques and Godfrey
Cambridge. It won an Obie for Best Off Broadway play in 1961, becoming one
of the longest running non-musicals (three years) to ever hit the stage.
It still remains just as shocking and relevant today.
NOTE: Audience members will be given mask to wear for
this production (provided by ushers). Do not come alone and dare you
come late.
Discretion is advised due to content, language,
and, unexpected audience interaction.
ARTIST NIGHT has been designated as opening night for the performing
art community. The first 40 get in free on opening night. It is fitting, due
to the nature of
the play and it's theatricality. You must call in for comps and arrive at the
theatre 30 minutes prior to show time on Friday, April 18. to get your tickets.
Please state those who call in for comps.
THE
BLACKS: a clown show will be performed in Karamu’s Arena
Theatre
Performances are Thursday to Saturday at 8:00 pm and
Sundays at 3:00 pm.
Ticket prices are $20.00 for Thursday and Sunday
performances and $25.00 on
Friday and Saturday.
There will be two special midnight performances on
Friday, April 25 and Friday, May 2.
For ticket availability please call Karamu’s box
office at 216-795-7077. Karamu House Inc. is generously funded by Cuyahoga County Residents through Cuyahoga Arts
and Culture. The Cleveland
Foundation and The
George Gund Foundation.
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