Stage and Screen Vet S. Epatha Merkerson to Headline Detroit Rep's 2016 Black Tie Fundraiser

The Detroit Repertory Theatre has announced award-winning actress, and native Detroiter, S. Epatha Merkerson will be Keynote Speaker for the Annual Black Tie Awards Night and Homecoming Celebration.

UAW-Ford is a Diamond Anniversary Season Production Sponsor and Master Sponsor of the Black Tie fundraiser to be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Theatre. Bill Dirksen, Ford Motor Company Vice President of Labor Affairs, and UAW-Ford's Vice President Jimmy Settles are co-chairs of the event.

The Detroit Repertory Theatre has been on the cutting edge of grass roots, nonprofit, professional theatre since 1957. Started by a small band of rebellious artists who believed in the power of diversity acting in unity, the DRT has been producing diversity centered theatre utilizing inclusive casting for 60 seasons. Ms. Merkerson's internationally recognized artistic accomplishments and her belief that the arts should be inclusive make her a perfect match for the Theatre and its mission.

UAW-Ford's support of Michigan's longest running, union, nonprofit, professional theatre comes at a crucial time. The Repertory Theatre is preparing to pass the baton to the next generation of Detroit theatre visionaries. The Black Tie Celebration and Awards Night is a major fundraiser for the Theatre. Funds raised at the event will help support the Rep's "pass the baton" transition.
"The partnership between the Detroit Repertory Theatre and UAW-Ford is a natural," said Bruce Millan, the Theatre's Artistic Director. "Both have been dedicated to Detroit for a long time and both have a deep concern for the well being of workers; in the Rep's case the livelihood of workers in local professional theatre."

The Black Tie unites past Detroit Repertory artists and actors with loyal patrons of the Theatre to celebrate the cultural and civic power of the Rep. The 2016 Detroit Repertory Theatre Black Tie Gala will be Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 6:30 PM. Individual tickets are $75 per person. Citizen, Event, and Production Sponsorships are still available.

Established in 1941, UAW-Ford has a rich history of fighting for its members and the communities in which they live, work and play. Whether it is workers' rights, youth development, community giving, offering skilled trades and/or educational training, UAW-Ford is committed to providing opportunities that secure both economic and social stability for the American workers and their families. Improving the quality of life is among UAW-Ford's chief principles and serves as a benchmark for how labor rights are addressed in the 21st Century. Its members help to build the strong cars that drive America, which not only reinforces a solid economy and workforce, but also helps to build strong communities nationwide.

Best known for her 17-season run as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on NBC's Law and Order (2006, '10, '11 NAACP Image Awards), Ms. Merkerson has won critical acclaim in theatre and film as well. The HBO film Lackawanna Blues garnered her an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and other awards. Extensive theatre work, on and off Broadway, has won her Obie awards and Tony nominations. Her first foray into documentary film, as executive producer and co-director of The Contradictions Of Fair Hope, gleaned six awards from prestigious film festivals. A native of Detroit, Ms. Merkerson attended Cooley High School, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Wayne State and three Honorary Doctorates. She lives in New York City and Chicago...sometimes.

The oldest, professional (Union), non-profit theatre in the State of Michigan, the Detroit Repertory Theatre's mission is guided by the belief that the sense of community is stronger than the forces that splinter and that efforts to preserve unity deserve the same attention and support as the justly cultivated efforts to retain diversity. The implicit goal in all the theatre's efforts is to produce the best possible professional theatre while fostering cultural democratization of the arts, and fighting, by example, the disturbing level of racism that still exists.

Detroit Repertory Theatre is located in the geographical heart of the city at 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit, MI 48238. Parking is Attended, Lighted, Fenced-In and Free. Call (313) 868-1347 or visit www.detroitreptheatre.com for more information.