August Wilson's FENCES Inspires Collaboration Between Evertman Theatre and Afro American Newspaper Archives

Everyman Theatre is pleased to announce a special exhibition that will take place at the theatre in conjunction with the current production of August Wilson's Fences. Within Our Gates will examine the lives of African Americans in Baltimore from 1950 to 1965 (the time period of Fences) by using pictures and reprints from The Afro American Newspaper Archives. The exhibition will debut on Saturday, November 7th prior to World of the Play, a panel discussion series that discusses the topics and themes of the play.

"Our new Community Engagement Initiative seeks to connect our Baltimore community through the work you see on stage here," said Community Engagement Manager Melani Douglass. "The images we have chosen for this exhibit are from The Afro American Newspaper Archives; they show us that our Baltimore and August Wilson's Pittsburgh have parallel histories. The elements included in this exhibit help remind us that the story of Fences is beyond the stage and is felt within our own community."

The pictures and prints on display in the exhibit will include images of community and musical leaders along with everyday people from Baltimore from the 1950s and early 1960s. It will also look at the protest against the segregation of Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. The exhibit will also feature a section called BALTIMORE, NOW, which will include the collages made by students at the Excel Academy under the direction of artist Anthony McKissic. The students' work will be influenced by Romare Bearden and the Blues - two major influences of August Wilson.

The exhibition will take place in the second floor lobby space of the theatre and will open before and after each performance of Fences from November 7 - 22, 2015.

August Wilson's Fences is running now through November 22. Tickets for are on sale and range in price from $10 to $60. Tickets may be purchased by calling 410.752.2208, visiting www.everymantheatre.org or in person at 315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Everyman Theatre is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.

Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Everyman Theatre is a proud member of the Bromo Tower Arts and Entertainment District.

Everyman Theatre proudly partners with The Baltimore Sun Media Group and WYPR 88.1-FM as the Season Media Sponsors. Legg Mason is the Production Sponsor of Fences and The Afro American Newspaper is the Media Sponsor for the production.

Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity theatre company celebrating the actor, with a resident company of artists from the Baltimore/DC area. Founded in 1990 by Vincent Lancisi, the theatre is dedicated to engaging the audience through a shared experience between actor and audience seeking connection and emotional truth in performance. Everyman is committed to presenting high quality plays that are affordable and accessible to everyone. The theatre strives to engage, inspire, and transform artists, audiences and community through theatre of the highest artistic standards and is committed to embodying the promise of its name, Everyman Theatre.

Vincent M. Lancisi is the Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre; Jonathan K. Waller is the Managing Director. For information about Everyman Theatre, visit www.everymantheatre.org or call 410.752.2208.

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